When C.L. Lewis applied for a job with a Federal government agency, she was excited about the prospect of helping to defend America ’s security. She scored 98 percent and 95 percent on two written exams. Since she had previously obtained a security clearance in the aerospace industry, and was in good health, she was sure that she would be hired.

Lewis had only one more hurdle: pass the structured interview. The interview involved a number of hypothetical questions, “what would you do if… “ She thought she did very well on these questions. Then she was asked a series of 13 questions, and was required to answer each one of them “yes.” Among them was a question whether she would be available to work 24 hours a day, seven days a week. She could not answer yes, because as a Seventh-day Adventist, she needed accommodation for the Sabbath. She was confident that the Federal government was obligated to obey its own laws, and would be able to provide her with religious accommodation. She informed the interviewers that she needed Sabbath accommodation, and that surely, the Federal government would recognize its legal obligation to seek such an accommodation. Unfortunately, she was mistaken. At the direction of higher management, the interview was terminated, and she was denied employment.

C.L. Lewis was devastated by her rejection. She was appalled that the Federal government would screen out Americans who took their religious obligations seriously. It took two years to bring the parties together for a settlement conference — two years of avoidance, denial and legal wrangling. After much prayer and hard work, a settlement was achieved. Lewis made it clear that the case was not just about money — she wanted to make sure the same thing would not happen to someone else. As a result of the settlement, Lewis obtained the assurance she had hoped for. Even Uncle Sam must obey its own laws.

Lewis is eager to see the Workplace Religious Freedom Act passed. She suffered for two years of mostly joblessness and even homelessness, living at the mercy of friends, while she battled the Federal government. She is convinced that passage of this bill will reduce future suffering for others who would otherwise be denied employment for no other crime than worshipping God.