Denzel Washington has officially received his minister’s license, marking a significant new chapter in the life of the 69-year-old Hollywood star. Recently, Washington expressed his views on the challenges of discussing religion within the entertainment industry, highlighting a prevalent silence surrounding faith in Hollywood.
According to a report from Fox News Digital, Washington was baptized by Archbishop Christopher Bryant at Kelly Temple in New York City on a recent Saturday. Washington shared his testimony during this transformative moment, 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.” Archbishop Bryant commemorated this significant occasion by posting photos of Washington’s baptism on Facebook, celebrating his addition to the clergy. The post read, “We celebrate the addition of Minister Denzel Washington into the clergy, having received his minister’s license in the Church of God in Christ today, in a truly uplifting moment.”
In his reflections, Washington candidly acknowledged the difficulty of discussing religious beliefs in Hollywood. He stated, “When you see me, you see the best I could do with what my lord and savior have given me. I’m unafraid.” He further elaborated, noting the industry’s unspoken rules: “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.” This sentiment underscores his feeling of liberation after embracing his faith, as he remarked, “I’m free now. 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.”
Washington also expressed uncertainty about the faith of his peers, saying, “It’s not like we all meet somewhere and discuss what we believe. So, I don’t know how many other actors have faith. I didn’t do any poll. How would I find that out? I mean, there’s no Church Actor Meetings I’ve been to.” This highlights the isolation he feels regarding discussions of faith within the industry.
Denzel Washington’s rise to stardom began with his breakthrough role in the medical drama St. Elsewhere in 1982, where he received multiple nominations for his outstanding performance. He has since established himself as a leading actor, known for critically acclaimed films such as Fences, Training Day, The Book of Eli, Cry Freedom, and Malcolm X. As he embarks on this new journey as a minister, Washington continues to blend his passion for acting with his commitment to his faith, inspiring many with his message of hope and belief.
