Christianity in Brunei

Christianity in Brunei is the second largest religion practiced by about 10% of the population.[1][2]

St. Andrew's Church in Bandar Seri Begawan

Restrictions on religious freedom

Contact with Christians in other countries, the import of Bibles and public celebration of Christmas are banned by decree.[3] Christians in Brunei are not allowed to proselytise.[4] Schools are not allowed to teach Christianity.[4] If religious organisations fail to register, its members can be imprisoned.[4] Teaching of non-Muslim religions in schools is prohibited.[4] Marriages between Christians and Muslims are prohibited.[4] Brunei is the latest Muslim country to enact a law that makes apostasy a crime punishable with death. In 2013, it enacted Syariah (Sharia’a) Penal Code. Section 112(1) of the new law states that a Muslim who declares himself non-Muslim commits a crime punishable with death, or with imprisonment for a term not exceeding thirty years, depending on evidence.[5] Under the required wait period between notification of law and its validity under Brunei’s constitution, its new apostasy law and corporal punishment were to be applied starting October 2014, and capital punishment was to be imposed starting October 2015.[6]

In 2015, following up on a 2014 ban on celebrations that could lead Muslims astray or damage their faith, the Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah banned public Christmas celebrations. Private celebrations are permitted to continue, so long as they are kept secret from Muslims.[7]

Protestantism

In 1996 Protestants made up 1.3% of the population of Brunei, 0.6% Evangelical.[8] In 2010 Protestants made up 4.4% of the population of Brunei.[9]

• Borneo Evangelical Church[10]
• Korean churches[10]
• Methodist Church[10]
• Seventh-day Adventist Church[10]
• Anglican Church (Diocese of Kuching)

Roman Catholic Church

There are three Roman Catholic parishes in Brunei.[11] They belong to the Apostolic Vicariate of Brunei Darussalam.[12] The Right Reverend Cornelius Sim is a bishop and the Apostolic Vicar of Brunei.[13] He was ordained bishop in 2005.[13]

References

1. "CIA World Factbook".
2. "Religions in Brunei | PEW-GRF". www.globalreligiousfutures.org. Retrieved 6 June 2020.
3. "Open Doors UK". Archived from the original on 12 May 2008.
4. "US Department of State on Brunei".
5. Brunei - Laws Criminalizing Apostasy Library of Congress (May 2014)
6. Rabiatul Kamit & Bandar Seri Begawan, Kedah Officials in Brunei to Observe Syariah Law, Brunei Times (16 May 2014)
7. "Brunei bans Christmas celebrations in public, including wearing Santa hats". 23 December 2015.
8. "Adherents.com". Archived from the original on 12 November 2012.
9. "Religions in Brunei | PEW-GRF". www.globalreligiousfutures.org. Retrieved 6 June 2020.
10. Source of the list: The World Christian Encyclopedia, Second edition, Volume 1, p. 153
11. "the Roman Catholic Church in Brunei Darussalam". Archived from the original on 21 February 2008.
12. "the Roman Catholic Church in Brunei Darussalam". Archived from the original on 23 February 2008.
13. "the Roman Catholic Church in Brunei Darussalam". Archived from the original on 21 February 2008.