Does Religion Have a Place in Modern Pageantry?

Each week, I share no-fluff pageant coaching that helps you win. Both on stage and off. After coaching titleholders in Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss America, and 350+ pageant interviews, this isn’t theory. It’s what works.https://thepageantproject.com/subscribeA couple of weeks ago—on my birthday, no less—I posted something I almost never do: my favourite Bible verses for pageantry.It was a personal post, not meant to convince anyone or spark debate. I made that clear in the caption: I’m not here to tell you what to believe. This is just something meaningful to me.Most people enjoyed it. A few even shared it. But one person reshared with the comment that posts like this from coaches make them feel excluded because “not everyone turns to religion for guidance.”That made me pause. And it got me thinking—not about whether I should have posted it, but about whether religion (or belief in anything) has a place in modern-day pageantry.My Complicated Relationship with ReligionI was brought up Christian—but not in an especially devout family. Church on Sundays was mandatory, baptism wasn’t a choice, and to be honest, I didn’t see the point. People acted pious in the pews and then turned rude in the carpark.For most of my life, I kept my distance from religion. But during the pandemic, stuck at home with too much time and too few answers, I decided to read the Bible. Not to “find God” but out of curiosity. If a book has survived thousands of years, maybe there’s some wisdom in it.And there was. Especially in Proverbs, I found timeless guidance—about truth, integrity, and resilience—that felt more relevant than ever.Surprising Connections in PageantrySomething unexpected happened. As I interviewed more contestants, I realised I often had deeper, more meaningful conversations with those who were open about their faith—Christian or otherwise.It wasn’t about religion itself. It was about a shared sense of values, a grounding in something bigger than ourselves.But here’s the thing: I’m not a fan of overt religious displays in pageantry—like pre-show prayer circles that might make non-Christians feel excluded. My connection to faith is personal, and I believe it should stay that way.It’s Not About Being RightReligion can be weaponised. People argue over who’s “right” instead of focusing on what makes life better.If your beliefs—religious or otherwise—make you kinder, happier, and more resilient, then they’re working. If they make you judgmental, bitter, or arrogant, they’re not.Pageantry is the same. Your journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. You don’t win by being “right” about how to prepare—you win by doing what makes you your best.What This Means for You as a CompetitorWhether your guiding belief comes from the Bible, the Quran, a mentor, a personal philosophy, or something else entirely—find something that helps you:* Handle the disappointment of a loss you didn’t see coming.* Stay grounded when you win.* See meaning (or at least purpose) in the struggles along the way.Without that, pageantry—and life—can start to feel like meaningless suffering.Final ThoughtsDo I think religion has a place in pageantry?Yes—but only as a personal compass, never as a tool to judge or exclude others.You don’t need to share my beliefs. You just need to have something you believe in that makes your life, and the lives of those around you, better.📹 Want the full story?This article is the short version. In the video, I go deeper into my own journey with faith, how it’s shaped my work in pageantry, and the reactions (good and bad) I’ve received along the way.Your turn: Do you think religion belongs in pageantry? Hit reply and let me know your thoughts—I’d love to hear your perspective.Timestamps* 00:00 Welcome and why this topic matters* 03:48 The birthday post that sparked debate* 08:13 Why I read the Bible during the pandemic* 12:53 How faith deepened my pageant interviews* 18:19 The real question does your belief make life better* 26:40 The role of humility and higher accountability in pageantry* 33:07 Final thoughts find what works for you and your journeyI offer a limited number of private coaching sessions per month for women serious about elevating their pageant journey. Click below to book yours.https://thepageantproject.com/coachingPageantry is evolving—and you deserve coaching that’s more than surface-level. Book in if you're ready to go beyond the crown. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thepageantproject.com/subscribe