The Home Ministry's decision to impose a ban o­n the Iban Bible - Bup Kudus - has left parishioners confused and fearful.

Many churches in Sarawak have been conducting services using Bup Kudus - which is a translation of the New and Old Testaments - for Iban Christians who o­nly understand that language.

Bup Kudus was among the 51 books that the ministry banned last week. No reasons were given but it is believed to be connected to certain words that have been in common use among Iban parishioners in church services that some people have found to be inappropriate.