Tiago Corte de Alencar, a Seventh-day Adventist lawyer and amateur judoka, recently won a legal case allowing him to reschedule mandatory judo certification exams that conflicted with his observance of the Sabbath. The case, filed against the São Paulo Judo Federation, highlights ongoing questions around religious freedom and inclusion in sports and public life.
Alencar observes the Sabbath from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, a central belief for Seventh-day Adventists, but faced scheduling challenges as he progressed in judo. Certification exams, required to advance to higher belts, are administered by the São Paulo Judo Federation and traditionally held on Saturdays.
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Alencar was able to take a black belt exam online on a non-Sabbath day. But when the time came to pursue a higher rank, he again requested a date change. The Federation denied his request, prompting Alencar to seek a legal remedy.
“When I received the denial, I felt deeply sad,” Alencar said. “Since childhood, I learned that respect for religious beliefs is essential for human coexistence, especially in educational and sports environments that should promote inclusion and personal growth.”
Legal Framework and Respectful Dialogue
Brazil’s Federal Constitution protects freedom of belief and guarantees that no one should be deprived of rights because of religious conviction. Rather than abandoning his goals or responding confrontationally, Alencar attempted to resolve the situation through dialogue, sending emails to Federation officials, proposing solutions, and seeking support through his instructor.
“I continue to believe that respectful conversations can build bridges,” he said. “That’s why I persistently sought dialogue. But unfortunately, until I filed the lawsuit, there was no response.”
The court ruled in Alencar’s favor, affirming his right to an alternative exam date. Following the ruling, the São Paulo Judo Federation contacted him to present new options, including the opportunity to complete his certification by the end of 2025 and flexible scheduling for future events.
Broader Impact and Religious Freedom Advocacy
Since the decision, other Adventist athletes have requested—and received—similar accommodations for their belt exams. For many, the outcome has underscored the importance of upholding religious freedom across different sectors of society.
Ricardo Ceribeli, director of Religious Freedom for the Adventist Church in Southeast São Paulo, commented, “Being aware of religious freedom is not just a political issue, but a spiritual duty—one based on love for God and neighbor, and essential to fulfilling our mission in an increasingly complex world.”
The case also reflects the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s longstanding commitment to religious liberty. Globally, the Church supports the right of individuals to live and work in alignment with their faith, particularly when it comes to Sabbath observance.
“My intention was never to create conflict,” Alencar said. “I simply wanted a path that allows people like me to pursue their dreams without having to give up their beliefs.”
The original article was published on the South American Division Portuguese news site. Join the ANN WhatsApp Channel for the latest Adventist news.
