Photo Credit:Getty Images
Denzel Washington has taken a profound spiritual step by being baptized and receiving a minister's license at the Kelly Temple Church of God in Christ, located in Harlem, New York City. The ceremony, which was live-streamed on Facebook by the First Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ Eastern New York, marked a pivotal moment in the actor's life just days before his 70th birthday.
"In one week, I turn 70. It took a while, but I’m here," Washington shared with the congregation during the ceremony. The actor's wife, Pauletta Washington, also spoke emotionally about his spiritual growth. "Forty-six years later, here I’m still standing next to him as only God will have it," she said. "I’m very proud of you. You are the head of our house and have set a great example for our children."
Washington's baptism involved full immersion in water, symbolizing his renewed commitment to his faith. Following the ceremony, he posed for photos with his certificate of baptism and minister's license, which positions him to be ordained in the future.
The actor has been vocal about his faith throughout his career, despite acknowledging the rarity of such discussions in Hollywood. In a recent essay for Esquire, he reflected on his journey, saying, "I’m unafraid. I don’t care what anyone thinks. Talking about faith in Hollywood
isn’t fashionable or sexy. But that doesn’t mean people don’t believe. God is real. God is love. God is the only way."
He also recounted a transformative moment when he visited the Pentecostal West Angeles Church in Los Angeles, an experience he described as "the biggest moment of my life" when he was "filled with the Holy Spirit."
While Washington is not yet ordained, he joins a growing list of Hollywood stars who have embraced ministry, including Whoopi Goldberg, Tom Hanks, and Dwayne Johnson.
Beyond his spiritual endeavors, Washington remains active in his acting career. He is set to appear in Spike Lee’s upcoming project Highest 2 Lowest alongside A$AP Rocky and Ice Spice and has hinted at involvement in Black Panther 3.
Reflecting on his journey, Washington affirmed his faith’s central role: "When you see me, you see the best I could do with what I’ve been given by my Lord and Savior."
