Denzel Washington baptized, ordained as minister
Denzel Washington is now baptized and ordained as a minister.
In a post by Archbishop Christopher Bryant, Washington, 69, dressed in a gray T-shirt and black sweatpants, posed for a photo with his minister’s license and baptism certificate.
Washington was baptized on Saturday at Kelly Temple in New York City, the church where he has been a member since childhood.
Before the baptismal rite, Washington delivered a heartfelt testimony to the congregation, sharing his personal journey of faith.
“It took a while, but I’m finally here,” Washington said, according to Bryant's post. “If [God] can do this for me, there’s nothing He can’t do for you. The sky literally is the limit.”
Pauletta Washington, the actor's wife, offered her unwavering support as her husband took this momentous step.
“Forty-six years later, here I’m still standing next to him as only God will have it,” the actress said.
“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,” she added.
In a separate Facebook post, Bryant shared his realization about the actor.
"Denzel Washington grew up in a Christian home, but it wasn't until a prophetic dream in his 20s that he truly embraced his faith. Imagine being told by a stranger that you'd speak to millions. That moment lit a fire in Denzel's heart, praying, and reading the Bible daily," Bryant said in a slideshow video.
"This foundation guided him through Hollywood's highs and lows, keeping him grounded and focused. From Training Day to Fences, Denzel's faith influences his choice of roles. He seeks stories with themes of redemption and hope. His speeches often highlight God's role in his life, inspiring countless fans. Denzel teaches us that faith isn't just part of life—it's the compass that guides us," he continued.
Religion in Hollywood
Earlier in November, Washington revealed that religion is not a topic frequently discussed in Hollywood.
“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 told Esquire.
“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,” the Equalizer star said. “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.”
He continued that there was “no such thing” as Hollywood.
“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,” he said. “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.”
