It’s only 70 miles outside of Phoenix, but the Ray Complex of the multinational mining giant, Asarco, Inc., one of the 10 largest strip mines in America, is a world away from the bustling metropolis. Miguel Hernandez moved to copper country from Mexico when he was 16 years old. He worked at Asarco for more than a dozen years before he was terminated in 2003 for not working a series of Saturdays due to his Sabbath observance. In June, the Seventh-day Adventist Church filed a lawsuit on Hernandez’ behalf, alleging intentional religious discrimination, failure to provide religious accommodation, and retaliation for asserting his civil right to religious accommodation for his Sabbath observance. Hernandez will be represented by Alan Reinach, director of public affairs and religious liberty for the Pacific Union. Reinach visited Hernandez in Superior, Ariz., in May, where the mercury was already in triple digits. “Miguel had a bounce in his step, while I was wilting in the heat,” said Reinach. Reinach discovered that Hernandez had the most seniority, was respected and liked, and could do just about any job in the mine. Yet, while others were given preferential schedules, management blocked Hernandez’ efforts to obtain a scheduling accommodation. Pastor Greg Jones, who serves as the religious liberty director for the Arizona Conference, met with Hernandez and management twice, attempting to secure a scheduling accommodation, but management refused to help Hernandez. Hernandez knows there are no guarantees when the case goes to court. But he also knows that hundreds of people working in the mine know about his stand for the Sabbath, so whatever happens in court, Hernandez has been a faithful witness.A portion of the annual religious liberty offering is used for a litigation fund to help church members like Hernandez.

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