48Brunei

Converts from Islam face considerable pressure as conversion is punishable by law and everything will be done to bring converts back to their original faith. Non-traditional Christian communities can’t be registered as churches, but must be registered as companies, societies or family centres. As such, they’re treated as secular organisations and are required to submit their financial and operational reports to the government every year.

The whole of society (Christians included) is affected by the continuing introduction of Sharia (Islamic law).

Young people are particularly affected by the mandatory religious education of children. Under changes announced in October 2023, children as young as three years old now have religious education incorporated into their general studies (The Star Malaysia, 25 October 2023), strengthening the teachings of the majority religion.

Meet Lina

“[At my university], all women must wear a hijab, regardless of one’s religion. Even though my roommates know I’m a Christian. I’m forced to dress like them, too.”

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.