Denzel Washington, the renowned Hollywood actor, has taken a significant step in his personal life by receiving his minister’s license at the age of 69. The actor was baptized by Archbishop Christopher Bryant at the Kelly Temple in New York City on Saturday, marking a new chapter in his faith journey.
A Powerful Moment of Faith
During the ceremony, Washington shared an inspiring message: “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,” Bryant recounted. The moment was shared on social media by Bryant, who celebrated Washington’s decision to commit his life to Christ.
In his post, Bryant explained, “We celebrate the addition of Minister Denzel Washington into the clergy, having received his minister’s license today in a truly uplifting moment.” Bryant also noted that Washington had been baptized in the same service, both at the Historic Kelly Temple, a place meaningful to Washington since his childhood. The actor has shared that his faith deepened after experiencing the Holy Spirit at another church in the 1980s.
Denzel Washington’s New Role and Hollywood’s Silence on Faith
Washington’s decision to publicly embrace his faith comes after he shared in an interview with Esquire that in Hollywood, religion is often a topic avoided. “When you see me, you see the best I could do with what I’ve been given by my Lord and Savior,” Washington stated. “I’m unafraid.”
He admitted that in the entertainment industry, it’s uncommon to discuss faith. “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,” Washington explained. “It’s not talked about. It’s not fashionable. It’s not sexy.”
Despite the industry’s reluctance to embrace religious conversations, Washington is resolute in his beliefs. “I’m free now. I don’t care what anyone thinks,” he added.
Hollywood and Faith: Washington’s Perspective
Washington also expressed uncertainty about how many fellow actors share his faith, noting, “It’s not like we all meet somewhere and discuss what we believe.” He added, “There’s no such thing as a Hollywood church or actor meetings.”
A Legacy of Faith and Film
Denzel Washington’s journey from TV to becoming a respected film star is inspiring. His breakthrough role came in the medical drama St. Elsewhere in 1982, which earned him multiple nominations. Over the years, he starred in numerous iconic films, including Fences, Training Day, The Book of Eli, Cry Freedom, and Malcolm X.
Washington’s dedication to faith and his willingness to speak openly about it in Hollywood is a powerful reminder that success in the industry doesn’t have to come at the cost of personal beliefs. His commitment to faith continues to inspire fans and those around him.
