44Brunei

As Shariah law continues to be implemented in Brunei, Christians face ongoing restrictions on how they can live out their faith in public. Under these laws, conversion from Islam is illegal, and pressure is intense for anyone who follows Jesus. Many Protestant churches can’t register as “churches”, and instead are forced to register as businesses or secular organisations that submit financial and organisational reports to the government each year.

Brunei has strict guidelines about any non-Islamic worship. Public Christmas celebrations are banned – Christians can only celebrate Christmas in places where Muslims can’t see them. Bibles are heavily controlled, and importing of them is rarely allowed outside of personal use. Church activities are monitored, and any sharing of faith with Muslims is illegal.

All Bruneian Christians face some level of discrimination, though converts are particular targets for pressure from family, community and government. Overall, Brunei is a difficult place to follow Jesus, filled with daily pressures and risks.

Meet Lina

“I was sitting in a corner by myself reading [the Bible], when a few girls approached me asking why I brought a Bible to school. They yelled, ‘Leave that book at home!’ I was so frightened. These were my friends. I had never seen them that angry before.”

Lina (name changed), a young Christian in Brunei.

What does Open Doors do to help?

Open Doors raises prayer support for persecuted believers in Brunei.