Denzel Washington has embarked on a profound new chapter in his life, receiving his minister’s licence at the age of 69. The renowned actor was baptised by Archbishop Christopher Bryant at Kelly Temple in New York City on Saturday.
“It took a while, but I’m finally here… If [God] can do this for me, there’s nothing He can’t do for you,” Washington said during the service, according to Bryant. “The sky literally is the limit.”
Archbishop Bryant shared photos of the event on Facebook, capturing the moment Washington dedicated his life to Christ.
“We celebrate the addition of Minister Denzel Washington into the clergy, having received his minister’s licence in the Church of God in Christ today, in a truly uplifting moment,” read the post.
Bryant further explained, “He is dressed that way because, in the same service, he received water baptism. Both the baptism and the licensing took place at the Historic Kelly Temple in NYC, a place close to his heart. Denzel Washington attended this church as a child and testified to being filled with the Holy Spirit after visiting another church with actor Robert Townsend in the ’80s.”
In another Facebook post, Bryant remarked, “Denzel Washington’s recent commitment to faith and service is truly inspiring. His baptism and licensing to preach is the culmination of a life of faith.”
The Hollywood legend has been candid about the challenges of discussing religion within the entertainment industry. Speaking to Esquire, Washington wrote, “When you see me, you see the best I could do with what I’ve been given by my Lord and Saviour. I’m unafraid.”
He continued, “I don’t care what anyone thinks. See, talking about the fear part of it – you can’t talk like that and win Oscars. You can’t talk like that and party. You can’t say that in this town. I’m free now. It’s not talked about in this town. It’s not fashionable. It’s not sexy. But that doesn’t mean people in Hollywood don’t believe. There’s no such thing called Hollywood anyway. What does that even mean? That, to me, means a street called Hollywood Boulevard.”
Washington also admitted he’s uncertain how many other actors share his faith. “It’s not like we all meet somewhere and discuss what we believe. So, I don’t know how many other actors have faith. I didn’t do no poll. How would I find that out? I mean, there’s no Church Actor Meetings I’ve been to.”
A distinguished actor with a career spanning decades, Washington first gained recognition in the medical drama St. Elsewhere in 1982. Since then, he has become a household name with iconic performances in films such as Training Day, Fences, The Book of Eli, Cry Freedom, and Malcolm X.
This latest milestone marks a deepening of Washington’s lifelong commitment to faith and service, demonstrating the enduring influence of his spiritual journey on his remarkable career.
