Unpleasant encounter

I am not religious a lot of religions are people's culture too so therefore very personal. I would never disrespect a persons religion it's the way I was brought up.
I would have verbally told this ignorant woman to mind her own business and keep her opinions to herself. I would also tell the lady you do know that she must be short of good friends. People like that should not be tolerated and need putting in their place.

I’m an agnostic but would never inflict my opinion on such a private matter on anybody. So sorry you had to experience this.

A loud, aggressive, intractable bully who showed herself up Beckett. No doubt your friend was frustrated by not being able to change the subject and embarrassed for both of you. I wouldn’t be surprised if their friendship cools. You, on the other hand, though shaken, showed your friend what a worthy person you are. Keep wearing your crucifix and hold onto your beliefs.

I must admit to feeling some concern for your friend. You were able to extract yourself from this bullying woman, and can justly feel you handled the situation well, although it was annoying and unsettling. I’d be worried that she is behaving in this same bullying way to your friend who may not be strong enough to extract herself from the relationship - the woman’s antipathy towards you may be because she is controlling your friend in some way?