No need to wait (if you are feeling aggressive): Go to your parish priest (or other clergyman) and get him to write you a letter stating "Mr. uzumaki_naruto is hereby exempted for religious reasons." (I'm assuming that you can find a "sympathetic" / "cooperative" clergyman.)
Submit that letter to HR.
Say and do nothing more. If you are "called out" or otherwise challenged to "justify" or "explain" the letter, simply state, "The letter is explanation enough."
Case closed!
Regards,
@ alexander_busek
My parish priest passed away. I know there are ones online who are willing to do it. It looks less official though, not someone who’s known me for decades.
I believe you are correct and when done as you suggest, one should not blink or falter to the very end, whatever that may be. I believe one should not threaten, defend or say a word but to repeat, “The letter is enough.” Stay strong and resolute and never quit. Make them fire you and state the cause in writing if possible.
It would be nice if such a letter were the means for “case closed” but a “sincerity” test of some sort is being applied. I have no idea how they are measuring “sincerity” of religious belief.
This is like the Spanish Inquisition. It defies belief that it is happening again.
The First Amendment does not have any provision for religious practice and freedom based on “sincerity tests”.
Refuse, Resist, Solidarity.