Denzel Washington has been baptized and taken his first step toward becoming a minister.
The Hollywood actor took part in a special ceremony at the Kelly Temple Church of God in Christ, in New York City’s Harlem neighborhood, on Saturday, Dec. 21, during which he addressed the congregation about his faith and was immersed in water. The historic church has been a cornerstone of the Harlem community for more than 90 years.
“In one week I turn 70. It took a while but I’m here. If [God] can do this for me, there’s nothing He can’t do for you. The sky literally is the limit,” Washington said, according to Archbishop Christopher Bryant as reported by New York Post column PageSix. The ceremony was attended by hundreds of congregation members and well-wishers.
Washington has strong marriage, family
The actor’s wife, Pauletta Washington, also spoke of her pride in her husband’s spiritual achievements, saying: “Forty-six years later, here I’m still standing next to him as only God will have it. So, I’m very proud of you. You are the head of our house and you have set a great example for our children, who are now adult children who know the difference because we have shown them the difference.” The Washingtons’ enduring marriage has been recognized as one of Hollywood’s most stable relationships.
The couple married in 1983, some 41 years ago, and are parents to John David, 40, Katia, 37, and twins Olivia and Malcolm, 33. Their family has been known for maintaining strong values despite the pressures of Hollywood life.
After the ceremony, Washington posed for a picture holding his certificate of baptism and his minister license — which will allow him to be ordained in the future. This achievement adds to his already impressive list of accolades, including two Academy Awards and a Presidential Medal of Freedom.
It comes after the Training Day star opened up about his faith in a recent interview with Esquire magazine, admitting he believes it’s not “fashionable” to talk about religion in Hollywood. Washington has been increasingly vocal about his spiritual journey in recent years.
“When you see me, you see the best I could do with what I’ve been given by my Lord and Savior. I’m unafraid,” he said. “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 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.”
This spiritual commitment comes after decades of Washington’s quiet support for various religious causes and charities. Throughout his career, he has donated millions to churches and religious organizations, including significant contributions to the Church of God in Christ denomination.
Harlem church has rich history
The Kelly Temple Church of God in Christ, where the ceremony took place, has a rich history dating back to the 1920s and has been instrumental in community outreach programs throughout Harlem. The church’s baptismal ceremonies are known for their traditional approach and spiritual significance.
Washington‘s minister license opens up new possibilities for his future involvement in religious leadership, adding to his already diverse career portfolio. This development has been welcomed by religious leaders and his fans alike, who see it as a natural progression of his long-standing commitment to faith.
The actor’s spiritual journey has been gradually unfolding over many years, with close friends noting his increasing interest in religious studies and ministry. This formal step into religious leadership represents the culmination of years of personal spiritual growth and dedication.
