Denzel Washington, acclaimed actor and now licensed minister, embarks on a profound spiritual journey at 69.
At a Glance
- Denzel Washington was baptized at Kelly Temple Church of God in Christ in Harlem, New York City
- The actor received a minister’s license during the ceremony
- Washington expressed gratitude for his wife’s support and commitment to serving his faith
- The baptism took place just before Washington’s 70th birthday
A New Chapter in Faith
On December 21, Hollywood icon Denzel Washington took a significant step in his spiritual journey. The Oscar-winning actor was baptized at Kelly Temple Church of God in Christ in Harlem, New York City, marking a profound moment in his life-long relationship with faith. The ceremony, which was livestreamed on Facebook by the First Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ Eastern New York, saw Washington not only reaffirm his faith through baptism but also receive a minister’s license.
Dressed in a white robe and burgundy stole adorned with crosses, Washington was immersed in water by Archbishop Christopher Bryant. The ceremony was a deeply moving experience for the actor, who reflected on joining his faith community officially just before reaching a significant personal milestone.
Denzel Washington Gets Baptized at COGIC Church, Gets Ministry License https://t.co/38jzlaUBBz pic.twitter.com/M9vU2JzlaF
— Protestia (@Protestia) December 23, 2024
I bet this wasn’t on your 2024 Bingo card, was it?
The actor’s commitment to his faith and desire to serve were evident in his words following the ceremony. Washington expressed profound gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose, emphasizing his dedication to his church and faith community.
“To God be the glory. Hallelujah! Anything I can do, I will do for this church, the Almighty. I just want to be in that number when the saints go marching in,” Denzel Washington said.
Washington’s wife, Pauletta, was present at the ceremony, supporting her husband from the front row and capturing the moment on film. The actor’s acknowledgment of her support highlighted the importance of family in his spiritual journey.
Denzel Washington receives his ministers license and gets baptized in NYC today. pic.twitter.com/u3XF1LL9MH
— Complex (@Complex) December 22, 2024
A New Role Beyond the Screen
With his new minister’s license, Washington has been recognized as “a member of the clergy of the Churches of God in Christ Worldwide.” This new role allows him to perform ministerial duties, potentially opening up new avenues for the actor to serve his community and share his faith.
As Washington approaches his 70th birthday, this spiritual milestone marks a significant transition in his life.
What a wild – but spiriting – story!