Popular Hollywood actor Denzel Washington has officially become a gospel minister, after receiving his minister’s license.
The 69-year-old Academy Award-winning actor was baptized by Archbishop Christopher Bryant at Kelly Temple in New York City on Saturday.
In a heartfelt message following the baptism, Washington expressed his gratitude and faith.
“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. The sky literally is the limit,” he said.
Archbishop Bryant, who officiated the ceremony, shared the occasion on Facebook, celebrating Washington’s decision to give his life to Christ and join the clergy in the Church of God in Christ.
“We celebrate the addition of Minister Denzel Washington into the clergy, having received his minister’s license in the Church of God in Christ today, in a truly uplifting moment,” the post read.
Washington has long been open about his Christian faith, though he’s previously noted how difficult it can be to express such beliefs in Hollywood.
In a recent interview with ‘Esquire’, he revealed how religion is often a taboo subject in the entertainment industry.
“When you see me, you see the best I could do with what I’ve been given by my lord and savior,” the “Gladiator II” star wrote for Esquire.
Despite these challenges, he stressed that his faith remains central to his identity.
“I’m unafraid. “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,” he added.
Though Washington is unsure how many of his peers in Hollywood share his beliefs, he made it clear that his faith is an important part of who he is.
“I’m free now. It’s not talked about in this town. It’s not talked about. It’s not talked about. 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,” he wrote.
Washington’s career has spanned more than four decades, with standout roles in films such as ‘Malcolm X’, ‘Training Day’, ‘The Book of Eli’, and ‘Fences’.
His breakthrough came with the TV series ‘St. Elsewhere’ in 1982, setting the stage for his illustrious film career.
About The Author
