Nepal Arrests 24 South Korean Christians at a Bible College
Police in Morang District detained the visitors on 9 October over "illegal religious teaching." The college's principal says they were meeting believers inside the college, not preaching in public
The short answer
According to International Christian Concern, 24 South Korean Christians were arrested on 9 October 2026 at Nepal New Covenant College in Morang District, Nepal, over complaints of "illegal religious teaching, training, and promotion." The college's principal, Sarad KC, said the visitors were interacting with believers inside the Bible college and not preaching or sharing the gospel in public. Their status after the arrests had not been reported.
On 9 October, police in Morang District in eastern Nepal arrested 24 South Korean Christians at Nepal New Covenant College, a Bible college, according to International Christian Concern.
The Allegation
The complaints lodged against them cite "illegal religious teaching, training, and promotion."
"Twenty-four South Korean Christians were arrested at a Bible college in Nepal over "illegal religious teaching" — though the principal says they were only meeting believers inside the college. The case tests how far Nepal's anti-conversion law reaches."
Click to copy and shareThe college's principal, Sarad KC, disputes that characterisation. He said the visitors "were interacting with believers inside a local bible college and not preaching or sharing the gospel in public."
ICC's report did not say whether the group had been released, charged or deported.
The Context
Nepal's constitution and criminal code prohibit attempts to convert people from one religion to another, and Christian groups have long warned that the provisions are worded broadly enough to be used against ordinary church activity — teaching, worship and fellowship among people who are already believers. Nepal's church has grown rapidly over the past few decades, from almost nothing in the 1950s, which is part of why these laws are watched so closely.
This case tests exactly that line: whether Christians teaching other Christians, inside a Bible college, counts as illegal promotion.
Pray
Pray for the 24 visitors and their families in South Korea, for the staff and students of Nepal New Covenant College, and for Nepali believers who live under these laws every day. Our guide on how to pray for the persecuted church is a good companion to this alert.
Twenty-four South Korean Christians were arrested at a Bible college in Nepal over "illegal religious teaching" — though the principal says they were only meeting believers inside the college. The case tests how far Nepal's anti-conversion law reaches.
Biblical Perspective
When the apostles were arrested for teaching in Jesus' name, they answered, "We must obey God rather than human beings!" (Acts 5:29) — and then kept teaching. Paul, in chains, could still write that "God's word is not chained" (2 Timothy 2:9).
"This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained."
— 2 Timothy 2:8–9 (NIV)
Pray With Us
Lord, we pray for the 24 South Korean believers arrested in Morang District and for their families. Grant them favour, protection and a just outcome. Strengthen the staff and students of Nepal New Covenant College and every Nepali believer living under anti-conversion laws. Your word is not chained. In Jesus' name, amen.
Declarations to Speak
- ›God's word is not chained!
- ›The church in Nepal will keep growing!
- ›Justice and favour for the 24!
Take Action
- 1Pray for the 24 visitors and their families in South Korea.
- 2Pray for Nepal New Covenant College's staff and students.
- 3Share this alert and follow for updates.
"24 South Korean Christians arrested at a Bible college in Nepal over "illegal religious teaching." Pray with us."
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Every time you pray over a story and speak life, you are partnering with Heaven to see God's Kingdom come on earth. When believers around the world agree in prayer, mountains move. Keep praying over these matters — your consistency in intercession is changing the world.
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You've prayed. Now take it further. Join or start an outreach group in your area and take the love of Jesus to the streets. Every act of love, every meal shared, every prayer prayed in person is the Kingdom advancing in your community.
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Questions people are asking
Why were South Korean Christians arrested in Nepal?
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According to International Christian Concern, 24 South Korean Christians were arrested on 9 October 2026 at Nepal New Covenant College in Morang District over complaints of "illegal religious teaching, training, and promotion." The college's principal said they were meeting believers inside the college, not preaching in public.
Is evangelism illegal in Nepal?
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Nepal's constitution and criminal code prohibit attempts to convert people from one religion to another. Christian groups say the wording is broad enough to be used against ordinary church activity.
Sources & further reading
- 1.24 South Korean Christians Arrested at Nepalese Bible CollegeInternational Christian Concern
About the Author
Daniel Ziedins
Founder & Editor-in-Chief
Daniel Ziedins is the founder and editor-in-chief of Thy Kingdom News. A passionate believer with a heart for revival, missions, and seeing God's Kingdom advance across the earth, Daniel created this platform to report on what God is doing in the nations — the stories the mainstream media won't tell. He is also the creator of LoveOnTheWorldMap.com, a global initiative to map acts of God's love worldwide. Daniel believes that every testimony, every revival report, and every prayer answered is evidence that the Kingdom of God is here and advancing.
"This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained."
2 Timothy 2:8–9 (NIV)
Get encouraging Kingdom news, testimonies, and prayer points weekly.
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