"No Compromise: Adventist Athlete’s Stand for Sabbath Recognized by Law"

Tiago de Alencar (first on the right) with his judo team. [Photo: courtesy of Tiago de Alencar]

In a landmark win for religious freedom, a Brazilian court has ruled in favor of Tiago Corte de Alencar, a Seventh-day Adventist lawyer and judoka from São Paulo, allowing him to observe the Sabbath while pursuing his passion for judo.

De Alencar, a black belt, faced rejection when he requested an alternative date for his graduation exam—normally held on Saturdays.

As a Sabbathkeeper, he refuses to compete or train from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset.

After repeated requests and silence from the Judo Federation, he took the matter to court—not to stir conflict, but to protect freedom of belief.

The court agreed, ruling in his favor. Following the decision, the São Paulo Judo Federation not only offered him a new exam date, but also opened the door for other Adventists to do the same.

Adventist leaders are hailing the decision as a spiritual and civic victory, reminding us all that freedom of conscience is a right—and a responsibility to defend.