Denzel Washington, the 69-year-old actor, has taken on a new chapter in his life by receiving his minister’s license. The “Training Day” star was baptized by Archbishop Christopher Bryant at Kelly Temple in New York City on Saturday.
“It took a while, but I’m finally here,” Washington said, according to Bryant. “If [God] can do this for me, there’s nothing He can’t do for you. The sky literally is the limit.”
Bryant posted photos of the special moment on Facebook, sharing Washington’s decision to dedicate his life to faith. “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,” Bryant wrote.
He also noted that Washington was baptized during the same service. “Both the baptism and licensing took place at the Historic Kelly Temple in NYC, a place close to his heart,” Bryant added. Washington grew up attending the church and shared how he was deeply moved by the Holy Spirit in the 1980s after visiting another church with fellow actor Robert Townsend.
Recently, Washington has been vocal about his faith, despite acknowledging the challenges of discussing religion in Hollywood. In an essay for Esquire, he wrote, “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 reflected on how openly talking about faith isn’t common in the industry. “You can’t talk like that and win Oscars. You can’t talk like that and party. But I’m free now. It’s not fashionable or sexy in this town, but that doesn’t mean people in Hollywood don’t believe.”
Washington has had an illustrious career, beginning with his breakout role in the 1980s medical drama St. Elsewhere. While faith has always been a part of his life, his recent steps signify a deeper commitment to service and spirituality.
(Source: Fox News Digital)
