Denzel Washington gets baptized even though you ‘can’t talk’ about religion in Hollywood: ‘I’m unafraid’

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: Actor Denzel Washington, 69, took a meaningful step in his spiritual journey by getting baptized at the Kelly Temple Church of God in Christ in Harlem, New York, on Saturday, December 21.

Known for his iconic roles such as the one in 'Gladiator II', Washington also received his minister license during the heartfelt ceremony which paves the way for his future ordination.

Denzel Washington reflects on his faith and 70th birthday during emotional baptism ceremony

The ceremony, which was streamed live on Facebook by the First Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ Eastern New York, saw Denzel Washington casually dressed in a gray T-shirt and black sweatpants.

He spoke openly to the congregation about his faith before he was immersed in the water, reflecting on the powerful moment. This comes just days before his 70th birthday on December 28.

"In one week I turn 70,” he stated, according to Archbishop Christopher Bryant, as reported by Page Six. “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,” he further added.

Washington’s wife, Pauletta Washington, was present at the ceremony and expressed her pride in her husband’s decision. She tearfully spoke about their 46 years together and how Washington’s spiritual journey had impacted their family.

“Forty-six years later, here I’m still standing next to him as only God will have it,” Pauletta remarked.

“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.

After the ceremony, where Washington was immersed in baptismal water, the actor took photos with his minister license and baptism certificate.

Washington's baptism news comes a little over a month after the Oscar-winning actor shared his thoughts on religion in Hollywood in a personal essay for Esquire, published on November 19, where he described faith as "unfashionable".

Denzel Washington opens up about transformative spiritual journey

In the essay, Denzel Washington reflected on his transformative first visit to the Pentecostal West Angeles Church in Los Angeles, which was recommended by actor and director Robert Townsend.

He described the experience as "the biggest moment of my life" when he "was filled with the Holy Spirit". He also mentioned that openly expressing one's faith is often discouraged in the entertainment industry.

Washington said, "Things I said about God when I was a little boy, just reciting them in church along with everybody else, I know now. God is real. God is love. God is the only way. God is the true way. God blesses."

He went on to say, "It’s my job to lift God up, to give Him praise, to make sure that anyone and everyone I speak to the rest of my life understands that He is responsible for me."

"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. I don’t care what anyone thinks," he further wrote.

"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," added 'The Manchurian Candidate' actor.

Although Washington is not yet an ordained minister, he wouldn't be the first celebrity to take that step. The Universal Life Church's database lists numerous Hollywood stars who are ministers, such as Adele, Benedict Cumberbatch, Cardi B, Kathy Griffin, Whoopi Goldberg, Dwayne Johnson, and Tom Hanks.

Fans laud Denzel Washington for getting baptized

Fans and fellow celebrities expressing their admiration for Denzel Washington's spiritual journey.

A Facebook user wrote, "Praise God for Calling The Great Academy Award Winning actor, Denzel H Washington who will continue to set a great example in Hollywood and The World! Love you Brother Minister Denzel."

Another added, "God Bless You and your family brother Denzel Washington all the rest of the days of your life and I pray that God will use you mightily for his kingdom to win many souls to Jesus Christ."

The third commentator remarked, "Praise the Lord Minister Denzel Washington. What a beautiful blessing to witness the goodness of God! May God continue to bless you and your family."

"Praise the Lord!!! May he continue to bless you with much love, good health, a strong faith and may your every endeavor be prosperous in abundance," wrote a supporter.

A person said, "Awesome Bro. Denzel Washington, my favorite actor. God bless you real good."

Another added, "Congratulations Denzel, Washington. God is good all the time and all the time. God is good. Amen."

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