PRAY FOR BRUNEI
– Pray for Christians who are treated unfairly by strict Islamic laws.
– Pray that younger Christians will have the strength to continue to follow Jesus.
– Pray that there would be more freedom to worship openly in Brunei.
WORLD WATCH LIST
Brunei
#44Conversion from Islam is illegal, and pressure is intense for every Christian.
bottom"If my friends see my cross necklace, they’ll accuse me of spreading the gospel."
—Lina, young Christian
Country
Profile
- Region
- Asia
- Sources of persecution
- Islamic Oppression
- Population
- 449,000
- Christian population
- 54,200
- Religions
- Islam
- Leader
- Sultan Sir Hassanal Bolkiah
- Score
- 66
What’s Life Like For Christians?
As Sharia (Islamic) 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 cannot 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, and Christians can only celebrate Christmas in places where Muslims cannot see them. Bibles are heavily controlled and importing 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 their family, communities, and the government. Women not wearing the Islamic headscarf can be pressured to do so, and some public places, like schools or boarding houses, ban Bibles if the majority of the community is Muslim.
Who Is Most Vulnerable To Persecution?
Converts from Islam are the most vulnerable to persecution. Due to the ever-stricter implementation of Islamic laws, women are expected to wear a hijab (Islamic headscarf), and Muslim women may be punished by religious authorities when they refuse to wear one. Some male converts are disowned by their families and are forced to leave the family home. Converts may also face beatings, humiliation, and mistreatment from religious authorities.
What Does Open Doors Do To Help?
Open Doors raises prayer support for persecuted believers in Brunei.
