Open Doors World Watch List 2025: The Top 50 – Rank No. 48 Brunei

What does persecution look like in Brunei?
Converts from Islam face considerable levels of pressure as conversion is punishable according to penal law and everything will be done to bring converts back to their original faith. Non-traditional Christian communities cannot be registered as churches, but must be registered as companies, societies or family centres. As such, they are treated as secular organizations 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 laws. 

Young people are particularly affected by the mandatory religious education of children. With the changes announced in October 2023, children as young as 3 years old will have religious education incorporated into their general studies (The Star Malaysia, October 25, 2023), strengthening the teachings of the majority religion.

Who is most vulnerable to persecution?
Converts from Islam face the most intense persecution and technically can be charged with the crime of apostasy under Shariah law. 

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 (NOT HER REAL NAME), A YOUNG CHRISTIAN FROM BRUNEI 

What has changed this year?
Since Brunei fully implemented Shariah law in 2019, the world has watched to see if this would have devastating consequences for minorities like Christians. Fortunately, so far the situation has not gotten too much worse—however, it obviously has not improved the situation for Christians in a place where it can be difficult to live out one's faith in Christ. The implementation of the law has made Christians more fearful and feel more insecure, and ongoing restrictions on any kind of evangelism make it hard to reach out to non-believers, especially young people. Violence against Christians remains rare in Brunei, as authorities rely more on control and surveillance. 

What does Open Doors do to help Christians in Brunei?
Open Doors raises prayer support for persecuted believers in Brunei.

​How can you pray for Brunei?

• Pray for believers who have limited access to Bibles. Pray they would be able to read and study God’s Word freely.
• Thank God that some churches are able to gather for worship, even though they exist in a murky legal reality. Pray they would continue to be able to stay open and disciple Christians in Brunei.  
• Pray the monarchy in Brunei would be open to the truth of Jesus. 

 
Persecution Type: Islamic Oppression, Dictatorial Paranoia
Christians:  55,600
Main Religion: Islam
Government: Absolute Monarchy or Sultanate
Leader: Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah
 
Reference: Open Door’s World Watch List 2025: The Top 50. Open Doors International. USA: Authors.