"I was raised in a way that you can never compromise your beliefs and your opinions for anything...By having to answer that question in front of a national audience, God was testing my character and faith. I'm glad I stayed true to myself." Keep the faith, Carrie, and you'll have a crown in Heaven.

(California)—The Christian Post reports that Miss California, Carrie Prejean, who was named first runner up in the Miss USA Pageant on Sunday, says she believes her answer on same-sex marriage (she believes marriage should be between a man and a woman) cost her the title but admits that she has no regrets. (Photo: AP)

"It did cost me my crown," Carrie told Billy Bush on his radio talk show recently. "I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I said what I feel. I stated an opinion that was true to myself and that’s all I can do...I was raised in a way that you can never compromise your beliefs and your opinions for anything."

Prejean's school, San Diego Christian College, released this statement: "As a community we congratulate Carrie on this accomplishment. She is a great example of a student who is seeking to have an impact on the world for Christ."

In a Fox News Interview, Prejean said, "This happened for a reason. By having to answer that question in front of a national audience, God was testing my character and faith. I'm glad I stayed true to myself."