Christians in Nepal want full religious freedom

The Catholic Church in Nepal is calling on new Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai to honor his pledge to protect religious minorities in the majority-Hindu state. Article 160 in the new Penal Code, set to be promulgated in the coming weeks, prohibits the conversion from one religion to another. Religious minorities are concerned the law will hurt efforts to build a secular and democratic Nepal.

"The main challenge for the new Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai is to unite and pacify the country. We have good hopes for the plight of Christians, and regarding religious freedom: Bhattarai, before the election, said explicitly that he agrees with our positions and will work towards the full respect for human rights and for our prerogatives," said Father Silas Bogati, the former Director of Caritas Nepal.

Listen to the full interview by Davide Maggiore with Fr. Silas Bogati: