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Miss Calif. Gets Heroine's Welcome at SD Church

Miss Calif. gets heroine's welcome at church that helped shape views, discusses pageant flap

Others, though, have applauded Prejean for her forthrightness. The other four finalists were asked whether they would speak out against domestic violence, favor using taxpayer money to bail out corporations, give immigrants access to health care and help fund elections in Afghanistan.

Miss California Carrie Prejean, left, talks with Pastor Miles McPherson, right, during services at... Expand
(AP)

"A question like that is not relevant in a platform such as the Miss USA pageant. It's far too political and it's divisive as well," said Kenya Moore, the 1993 Miss USA who was one of the judges that named Prejean Miss California in November. "Half of the audience is going to agree and half is not, no matter what she said. It's a no-win situation."

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As for Prejean, there is still the possibility she could go on to become Miss USA if winner Kristen Dalton wins the Miss Universe pageant this summer. Meanwhile, she plans to continue making the public appearances that comes with her Miss California USA duties.

On Thursday, she received a standing ovation while presenting an award at the Gospel Music Association's Dove Awards in Nashville, but said, "up in Hollywood, I'm not sure what their reaction would be to my showing up at a movie premiere."

She said she would be willing to meet with representatives from California's largest gay rights group "as long as it's not political."

If anything, Prejean has solidified her stance in the last week. McPherson, who preaches against homosexuality, has been acting as her adviser and encouraging her to use her newfound fame to persuade other evangelical Christians to share their views, even if they are unpopular.

"I learned that God has a bigger crown than any man can give you," she said.

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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