UPDATE: Carrie Prejean was thrust onto the national scene because she stated at a Miss USA contest that marriage is the union of a man and a woman. This sparked a campaign to vilify and shame her, and to expose embarrassing details from her past. It is because Carrie is a Christian that she is held to a higher standard than her detractors hold for themselves. As parents tell their children, one reason for living a moral life is because eventually — usually at the most delicate time — our indiscretions may be revealed.

But here's the twist. While Christians have high moral standards, we also belong to a most gracious God Who willingly uses us even when we don't meet those high standards. God never ceases to surprise us by using unexpected people and circumstances. His grace and His truth are unwavering, and stand in shining contrast to imperfect humans and the false "wisdom" of this world. Marriage is the unique union of a man and a woman, and our imperfections cannot change that.

The following is Carrie Prejean's statement released today, May 5:

SAN DIEGO, May 5 /PRNewswire/ — "On April 19, I chose to answer a question during the 2009 Miss USA pageant in an honest and personal manner that expressed my views of the long-established definition of marriage as being between a man and a woman. That answer, and my commitment to stand by my beliefs, has since resulted in attacks on me and my integrity as a woman. We live in a great country; a nation that was built on freedom of speech and freedom of religion. Yet my comments defending traditional marriage have led to intimidation tactics that seek to undermine my reputation and somehow silence me and my beliefs, as if opinion is only a one-way street.

"I am a Christian, and I am a model. Models pose for pictures, including lingerie and swimwear photos. Recently, photos taken of me as a teenager have been released surreptitiously to a tabloid Web site that openly mocks me for my Christian faith. I am not perfect, and I will never claim to be. But these attacks on me and others who speak in defense of traditional marriage are intolerant and offensive. While we may not agree on every issue, we should show respect for others' opinions and not try to silence them through vicious and mean-spirited attacks.

"With that in mind, I will continue to support and defend marriage as the honorable institution it is. I will continue to stand with the overwhelming majority of the American people and the voters of my home state of California. If this whole experience has taught me anything, it is our precious right to speak freely, and how we as Americans can never allow anyone or any group to intimidate or threaten us to keep silent."

Dear CWA Member,

Miss California Carrie Prejean answered a question in the Miss USA contest. Asked if states should allow same-sex "marriage" she responded, "I believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman."

And for that, Hollywood and homosexual activists are viciously attacking her.

Her stand on marriage cost her the crown.

Perez Hilton, the judge and homosexual gossip columnist who asked the question, has called Carrie filthy names and posted a doctored pornographic picture of her on his website. Celebrity TV host Giuliana Rancic wrote "I know i'm [sic] a journalist, and i [sic] should be objective ... but she is an ignorant disgrace and she makes me sick to my stomach."

How has Carrie responded? With grace and love.

This 21-year-old Christian has not backed down and has not lost an opportunity to speak boldly of her faith.

Appearing on the Today Show, she said, "I was ready for my question, and when I heard it from (Perez), I knew at that moment after I'd answered the question, I knew that I was not going to win because of my answer. Because I had spoken from my heart, for my beliefs and for my God. ... It's not about being politically correct, for me, it's about being Biblically correct."

When asked on MSNBC about Perez's attacks, she stated, "I can only say to him that I will be praying for him. I feel sorry for him, I really do. I think he's angry, I think he's hurt."

Thrust into the red-hot glare of the spotlight, Carrie has not withered. She has become a young role model for those who desire to live out their Biblical beliefs — and of what happens to those who dare to declare the truth that marriage is one man and one woman.

We are so proud of her. So we tracked down a way to send her e-mails of encouragement. It wasn't too hard for us because she attends San Diego Christian College — a college that was founded by the husband of CWA's founder Beverly LaHaye.

Would you show your appreciation for Carrie Prejean and her bold stand for marriage and God? Send an e-mail to encouragecarrie@cwfa.org and we'll get it to her. And please send this to your friends. Let's really generate the support.

Sincerely,

Wendy Wright
President

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