Young Christians gather in Nepal to explore faith and creation care

There was a strong sense of shared purpose as young Christians from across South Asia gathered in Nepal for the South Asian Christian Youth Network (SACYN).

SACYN first took shape in 2002 and describes itself not as an organisation, but as “a network of youth movements”. It is supported by partner churches and ecumenical organisations including the Church of South India, Church of North India, Church of Pakistan, Church of Bangladesh, Church of Ceylon and the Church of the Province of Myanmar, with whom USPG has long-standing partnerships.

USPG is one of SACYN’s supporting ecumenical partners as the network’s focus on young people, ecumenical relationships and practical Christian action closely connects with our commitment to strengthening partnerships across the global Church and supporting young, emerging leaders.

The 2026 gathering explored the theme ‘Created Wonder and Called to Care’, inviting participants to reflect on the beauty of creation and humanity’s responsibility to protect it.

For Beriyl Yeshamala, from the Karnataka North Diocese (Church of South India), the gathering offered a renewed perspective on creation:

I understood more now that I am the creation of God, so is everything around me.

She said the experience had inspired her to “learn to love nature more” and to deepen her understanding of the natural world. Creation care is also an established area of work for the Church of South India, which runs environmental programmes across its dioceses.

The gathering also encouraged participants to look beyond their own communities and learn from Christians in other countries. Tarun, from Kerala, India, said SACYN had broadened his understanding of ecumenism and the importance of building relationships across geographical and cultural boundaries.

Now I find that it is also necessary to know who your faraway neighbour is.

He said hearing about the experiences of Christians in other parts of the world had also highlighted the need for dialogue to lead to practical action.

Nadia Sanchez, USPG’s Regional Programme Co-ordinator: Asia, was in Nepal from 20–31 August for SACYN, as well as the Asia CMS Missional Gathering and meetings with the Tearfund Nepal team. The three strands of the visit provided opportunities to strengthen relationships, explore shared concerns and listen to different perspectives across the region.

Reflecting on the experience, Nadia said:

This was a perfect reminder that at USPG we are all about strengthening faith and partnerships.