Possibilities for Covenantal Pluralism in Nepal

This article examines the possibilities for the emergence of covenantal pluralism in Nepal. Although recent trends in Nepal indicate a rise in interreligious hostility and conflict, we argue that advocates of covenantal pluralism should be cautiously optimistic about the possibilities in Nepal. While the greatest threat to covenantal pluralism in Nepal emanates from a reactionary Hindu nationalist social movement, legal innovations-including the ambiguity of the definition of the term "secular" in Nepal's 2015 constitution-coupled with existing social resources offer critical sites of opportunity that can be leveraged in efforts to promote covenantal pluralism in Nepal.