Brunei & Christian Persecution

QUICK FACTS

Leader: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah
Government: Constitutional Sultanate

Population: 429,000 (41,900 Christians)
Main Religion: Islam

Persecution Level: Moderate
Source of persecution: Islamic extremism

OVERVIEW OF BRUNEI

Brunei is an Islamic nation, based on an ideology called “Malay Islamic Monarchy,” presenting the monarchy as the defender of the faith. By decree, contact with Christians in other countries, the import of Bibles and the public celebration of Christmas is banned. Sharia law has been fully implemented since 2011 for all Muslims in the country. Anglican and Roman Catholic churches are the only recognized Christian communities in the country, but even they have to be very careful. They are able to celebrate services, but apart from that, their functioning is restricted.

PRAYER POINTS

For all workers who are risking their freedom in advancing the gospel and interacting with new believers
That Bibles and biblical materials may reach Christians despite the ban on those materials
That restrictions on Christian worship may be relaxed for the minority believers