Platform Issues

 
   
 

The Nepal Christian Society is:

the common platform for all Christians

              who believe in the Apostolic Creed;

a place where Christians can share and care for one another;

a place of mutual understanding and spiritual unity

              among Christians in Nepal;

a united voice for Christians in Nepal to stand for their legal rights;

a united force of Christians in Nepal to develop their nation.

This common platform would have 3 main purposes:

It would be a Meeting Point for all churches, denominations and missions to share and learn from each other:

  1. Saturday, April 29th, 2006, 200 Christians met together for a Thanksgiving and Prayer Service was held at Koinonia Patan Church offering prayers of Thanksgiving for what God has done in Nepal, and prayers of Petition for the future of Nepal, petitions in behalf of their country, its leadership and the king.
  2. March 27-29, 2006, the NCS held its Ninth General Convention. Over 250 people from across the country attended this time of sharing together, discussing issues and making decisions, and praying and hearing God’s word together.
It would be an Information Collection and Sharing Centre so that news, views and issues could be shared and discussed at both national and international levels;

Agenda Items Presented:
  1. What is the Christian involvement in the development of our nation?

    1. In what areas and ways can Christians work in order to gain an influence with the decision and policy makers in our government?

    2. How can the Christian Community contribute to the social development and progression of our nation?

    As the Christian mission groups involved in social issues within Nepal were reporting their activities, a great appreciation for their work was deeply expressed.

  2. Consideration to prepare a Christian Code of Conduct for use within the Christian Community. Christians as a community are always under scrutiny from others and that it only takes one error from one believer to bring the whole community into disrepute. If NCS were able to produce a set of guidelines that reflects the biblical principles by which Christians should be living, it could benefit the entire community.

    The first draft of the Christian Code of Conduct was prepared for distribution to all the churches throughout this year. After the suggestions and corrections are received, the draft refined, the final draft will be ready for presentation to next year’s 10th General Convention for approval.
Issues brought for discussion and decision:
  1. The Kathmandu Valley Society decided to form three geographical societies within the valley to be known as Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur Districts Societies.

    The Kathmandu and Lalitpur Districts met together and formed their individual Societies, with the Kathmandu District having over 60 churches in it.

  2. All the participants agreed that any land purchased or any assets should not, in any circumstances, be registered in an individual’s name. They should always be in the name of the church or organization.

  3. After receiving all the church leaders’ information, it was decided that in Nepal there are a total of about 5,000 congregations made up of about 15 denominations and 15 church groups, and independent congregations. The estimated number of Christians is about 700,000. That information is not based on any written records or surveys.

  4. The serious deficit of the NCS budget was discussed and more active ways of raising money was an issue that was discussed looking at creative ways of raising money.
It would be a Common and United Voice of the Christian Community so that whenever representation to the Government at both national and international level is required the Christian Community would be adequately prepared to make its responses.

Agenda Items Presented:
  1. To discuss and prepare a Petition Paper to be handed over to His Majesty the King regarding the following issues:
    1. The Registration of Churches and Christian Organizations

      This is an important issue that impacts Christians’ transparency in relation to, the owning of property and the payment of taxes. NCS will discuss how to move forward in gaining the required legal recognition through registration.

    2. The issue of burial

      It is NCS’ intention to make a request that the Christian community be provided with land for use as cemeteries and that this land be recognized by the local community as being sacred to the Christians.

    3. The recognition of Christian holidays as legal holidays so that Christians can celebrate Christmas and Easter together as a community.

    4. A facility for Christian Communication via the media

      Hindus and Buddhists alike are given the freedom to broadcast over the airwaves and spread their messages through the medium of radio and television. Christians should be allowed the same freedom.

    5. Representation by the Christian Community should be allowed at the highest level within Parliament including the National Planning Commission.

      A Declaration Petition was prepared including the preceding issues and was given to the King with copies given to the Home Minister and Chief District Officers with the goal being legal recognition of Christians and churches within Nepal.
  2. To discuss and make a decision on A Religious Act to be included in the Declaration Paper. When making a petition for the Christian voice to be heard and reflected within a new Religious Act, NCS realizes that in effect the petition is requesting the formation of a Secular State.

    It was decided that because the country is still considered a Hindu Kingdom this is not the time to present A Religious Act. The country needs to be considered a secular state and then the presentation of this kind of act would be appropriate.
  3. To explore and discuss the possibility of issuing a Christian's Declaration Paper:
    1. What is our stance in relation to ethical issues, the present political situation, social injustice, exploitation, social and economic policies and Government reforms?
    2. What can we do to make a difference and be salt and light in this Nation?
A Christian’s Declaration Paper to clarify the political identity of NCS was discussed and approved. The Christian’s Declaration Paper’s Statement of Issues has been translated from Nepali into English with the following edited interpretation:

Statement of Issues:
  1. Restoration of Peace

    Because the massacre, violence and terrorism on both sides of the conflict is against the Christian beliefs, NCS believes in pursuing peace on both sides, stopping the killing and resolving the conflict. NCS is ready to work on the restoration of peace in Nepal.

  2. Involvement in Politics

    NCS encourages all Christians to follow the Christian teachings of living in the truth. Individuals can belong to any party and be involved in any party’s activities by their own decision. However, NCS also declares that individual Christians, groups, and churches can not claim to be the spokesperson of the Christian community to the political parties: they can not take part in politics claiming to be the representative of the Christian community: nor can they claim that the Christian community belongs to a particular party.

  3. State Management

    In keeping with the Biblical teachings of honoring one’s authorities and the well-being of one’s nation, NCS urges the king, political parties, Human Rights Activists, and general public to commit to the prosperity of the nation. As representing the Christian community, NCS seeks to be open and involved in the construction of the newly formed government. NCS encourages the inclusive round table beginnings, an interim government, elections of the constituent assembly, leading to a new constitution to rebuild the nation.

  4. Social Concept

    Within the Nepali culture there are social evil exercises, superstitions, and traditions that support discrimination against others based on caste, creed, sex, economic status. As a Christian community, NCS will work for equality and respect without discrimination through the presentation of the Gospel of Christ. NCS will strive for equality, unity, prosperity, and reconciliation within the Nepali culture, as well.

  5. Economic Concept

    Based on Biblical values of avoiding discrimination, NCS is committed to the service of the poor and helpless people of the country. NCS will seek to help and strive to involve others in the process of the economical development of the country by being involved in social services, industry, trade and business, and education and training.

  6. Religious Harmony

    Determining the fact that eternal life is only found with a faith in Jesus, NCS, standing against religious discrimination, supports teaching and encouraging every Nepali in religious harmony to know and practice the real meaning of a secular state.

  7. Ecological Concept

    In Genesis it is written that God created everything in creation. He created human beings to have fellowship with Himself and to care for His creation. NCS, as a Christian community, is committed to caring for His creation through sound ecological and environment management issues, thus taking care of ourselves and His creation entrusted to us.