Coleman told The Washington Post that when he explained to the company’s owner, Joel Dahl, that he had different beliefs, Dahl said: “If you want to keep your job, everybody needs to attend. If not, I’m going to be forced to replace you.”

Coleman said he initially took part in the weekly, hour-long Bible classes for six months, fearing he wouldn’t be able to find another job.

Dahl’s attorney, Kent Hickam, described Dahl as a “second-chance employer.” Dahl told the Oregonian that he once served prison time for attempted second-degree assault and struggled with drugs and alcohol. He said he started Dahled Up Construction in 2016 after years of staying sober with the hope of hiring other convicted felons or those who have battled addiction.

Coleman has a past felony conviction and served a prison sentence for child neglect and for selling methamphetamine. But he’s been sober for years and recently won custody of his 10- and 14-year-old sons.

Coleman told The Post that after being hired by Dahled Up Construction in October, he woke up excited every morning to work with his painting crew.

“It’s tough to find a job like that,” he said.

Hickam told the Oregonian that the Bible studies were required. But when reached by The Post, Hickam said the sessions were a “weekly, motivational team building exercise” held at a homeless shelter. He said the sessions were scheduled at the end of an afternoon shift. Employees who attended would be paid for that hour, and employees who did not attend would not be paid.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/he-said-he-wouldn’t-join-his-company’s-bible-study-after-being-let-go-he’s-suing/ar-BBMKsBg?ocid=spartandhp