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 cannot register as “churches,” and instead are forced to register as businesses or secular organizations that submit financial and organizational 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 cannot 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. 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. Overall, Brunei is a difficult place to follow Jesus, filled with daily pressures and risks.