Everyone in Bhutan is assumed to be Buddhist. Anyone who converts to Christianity is watched with suspicion, and efforts are made to bring them back to Buddhism. Since there are no registered churches in Bhutan, Christians instead resort to gathering in homes. No churches are officially recognized by the state, which means that Christians who gather in these small fellowships are acting illegally, leaving them vulnerable to criminal penalties. In addition, local authorities often refuse to issue Christians with the right paperwork to file loan applications, property registration, job applications and ID card renewals.