In a significant step in his spiritual journey, 69-year-old Hollywood icon Denzel Washington was baptized and received his minister’s license on Saturday, December 21, at Kelly Temple in New York City. The ceremony was conducted by Archbishop Christopher Bryant.
Before his baptism, Washington addressed the congregation, stating, “It took a while, but I’m finally here…If (God) can do this for me, there’s nothing He can’t do for you. The sky literally is the limit.” This public commitment to faith comes shortly after the actor shared his views on the place of religion in Hollywood, noting the industry’s reluctance to discuss such matters openly.
Washington, known for his roles in films like “Gladiator II,” expressed in a recent Esquire essay, “When you see me, you see the best I could do with what I’ve been given by my Lord and saviour. I’m unafraid.” He emphasized his indifference to public opinion, saying, “I don’t care what anyone thinks,” and highlighted the cultural silence on religion in Hollywood: “It’s not talked about in this town. It’s not fashionable. It’s not sexy. But that doesn’t mean people in Hollywood don’t believe.”
This event marks a new chapter for Washington, showcasing his commitment to his faith over his illustrious career in the entertainment industry.