The letter arrived at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power in early September,

but we also saw a similar letter cropping up at other public agencies.

And the letter warned that forcing an employee at the LADWP to wear a mask, get tested,

or be vaccinated against COVID would be, quote, an affront to a Christian, and a violation

of federal laws that ban

religious discrimination. This letter and others like it have become must-have tools for

California public employees who don't want to take the COVID-19 vaccine. The document looks and sounds

very official. It was signed by someone who describes himself as the pastor of True Hope

Ministry. A veritable cottage industry has sprung up to help employees fight workplace mandates,

using religious freedom as their shield. It can be purchased online for $195 as part of a vaccine

exemption concierge program.

I'm Gustavariano. You're listening to The Times, Daily News from the LA Times. It's Monday,

February 28, 2022. Today, my colleagues, Lara J. Nelson and Connor Sheets bring us their

investigation into this murky world.

They look into what constitutes a deeply held religious belief, how those beliefs can play out in the workplace, and what employers can do about questionable religious exemption requests.

Laura, Connor, welcome to the Times.

Thanks for having us.

Thank you.

Laura, how did this investigation begin? Well, I've been covering vaccine issues for the best of the times. Thanks for having us. Thank you. Laura, how did this investigation begin?

Well, I've been covering vaccine issues for the better part of a year, kind of off and on,

starting around the time that the vaccine was first brought to market in California.

We're fighting for government intrusion into someone's ability to choose whether or not they need to be vaccinated.

...