The mandate (what a horrible term to be used in a republic!) isn't law. It is a regulation.
Both the 1st Amendment and the law which merely recognizes religious freedom, Congress’ 1993 Religious Freedom Restoration Act, positively trumps ANYTHING written by unaccountable bureaucrats.
Semiannual elections cannot cure what ails our once republic.
I would like to think the 1st amendment applies here and that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act would also apply. I would further like to believe Kennedy and Roberts would rule according to the Constitution. However, after the Obamacare ruling a couple years ago I have no confidence in the Court to rule correctly. If they rule correctly I will be pleasantly surprised.