Christians in Nepal are skeptical that peace will come quickly to the whole country despite a peace agreement between Maoist rebels and the Seven Party Alliance (SPA).

The peace agreement has been threatened by accusations of breaches on both sides and Nepal's Christians think there is a long way to go before Nepal's wave of peace will benefit the majority of the population, a report by BMS World Mission said.

BMS worker Martin Butterworth said that despite the "positive mood" of the nation, "there remains a continual tension between the wealthy, westernised, urban middle-class and the rural reality. This hasn't changed for decades."

The peace agreement was signed by the Maoists and the SPA on the 21 November, ending the country's 11-year conflict.

Three weeks later, the BBC has reported that Maoist leaders are saying they cannot yet join the government.

But it is not as simple as the headlines suggest, says Butterworth. "Peace does continue, as do reports of violations on both sides," he said.

One positive outcome of the peace agreement for Christians in Nepal is that it brought an end to the Hindu-ruled government and the introduction of the new secular, parliamentary SPA.

BMS World Mission said the change is good news for Christians and other religious groups in Nepal who are now, under the temporary constitution, officially recognised by the government.

"Christians here are praying that progress, or at least stability, is maintained," says Butterworth.

BMS World Mission has been in Nepal since 1962 and there are currently 17 long-term BMS World Mission personnel in Nepal and 15 support partner workers serving in medical, education, church planting and development work across the country.