Veteran actor Denzel Washington marked a spiritual milestone on Saturday as he was baptized and received a minister’s license on the same day.
The ceremony, held at Kelly Temple Church of God in Christ in Harlem, New York City, was livestreamed by the First Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ Eastern New York.
As he approaches his 70th birthday, the two-time Academy Award winner reflected on his faith journey.
“In one week I turn 70. It took a while, but I’m here,” Washington said during the service, expressing gratitude to his wife, Pauletta Washington, who attended in support.
Recalling a life-changing encounter from his youth, Washington shared a story about a prophecy delivered by Ruth Green, a woman he met in his mother’s beauty parlour when he was 20.
“She said, ‘Boy, you are going to travel the world and preach to millions of people,’” Washington recounted.
“My mother wrote the word ‘prophecy.’ Fifty years later, look at God. If He can do this for me, there’s nothing He can’t do for you.”
Washington, known for his unwavering Christian faith, has spoken openly about his beliefs, even as religion remains an uncommon topic in Hollywood.
In a recent essay for Esquire, he described his resolve to share his spiritual convictions, saying, “I’m unafraid. I don’t care what anyone thinks… It’s not fashionable. It’s not sexy. But that doesn’t mean people in Hollywood don’t believe.”
At Saturday’s ceremony, Washington reflected on officially joining his faith community. “It took a while, but I’m here,” he reiterated, attributing his journey to divine guidance and the support of his “loving, faithful wife.”
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