Denzel Washington, a two-time Academy Award-winning actor, has taken significant steps in his faith journey by being baptised and becoming a minister.
Gatekeepers News reports that this event marks a pivotal moment for Washington, who has previously commented on the lack of discussion about religion in Hollywood.
He received a certificate of baptism and a minister’s license, which allows him the possibility of ordination in the future.
The ceremony took place at the Kelly Temple Church of God in Christ in Harlem, New York City, and was live-streamed by the First Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ Eastern New York on Facebook.
Washington expressed his gratitude during the service, noting that he would be turning 70 soon and reflecting on the journey that led him to this moment.
The actor said: “In one week I turn 70. It took a while, but I’m here.”
He also thanked his wife, Pauletta Washington, for her support.
In a recent interview with Esquire, Washington reiterated his commitment to openly sharing his faith and experiences, despite the rarity of such discussions in the entertainment industry.
“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 wrote in an essay relayed by the magazine.
He continued at the time, “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. 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.”
