46Brunei

The growing implementation of Sharia (Islamic law) in Brunei – which applies to both Muslims and non-Muslims and has the goal of making the country fully Islamic – is making it increasingly challenging for the country’s tiny Christian minority to express and share their faith. Conversion from Islam is illegal, meaning converts can face enormous pressure to renounce their faith in Jesus. Islamic oppression is the main source of persecution in Brunei.

Since Protestant Christian groups cannot be registered as churches but only as secular organisations, they are required to submit their financial and operational reports to the government each year. All church activities are monitored by the authorities and surrounding community, and church leaders are warned against doing outreach or becoming too public. To encourage the spread of Islam, the government has been giving aid to those who become Muslims, which has led to some Christians being coerced into converting to Islam.

In general, the situation for Christians has not changed much in recent years. However, for the last few years, a slowly growing pressure on churches and their activities can be seen.