Hollywood star Denzel Washington becomes gospel minister

Hollywood actor Denzel Washington has officially obtained his ministerial license, marking a significant transition into a new role.

The 69-year-old actor shared that his journey to this point was a long one, but one that reaffirmed his faith.

Washington was recently baptized by Archbishop Christopher Bryant at the Kelly Temple in New York City, a moment that has been captured and shared on social media.

In his reflections on his spiritual journey, Washington said, “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.”

His commitment to his faith comes at a time when he also acknowledged the difficulties of discussing religion within Hollywood, where such topics are often seen as challenging to navigate.

As Washington embraces his new role as a gospel minister, he remains a testament to the transformative power of faith and the belief that change is always possible.

“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,” the post read.

Washington has acknowledged that one “can’t talk” about religion within the industry.

“When you see me, you see the best I could do with what I’ve been given by my lord and savior,” the “Gladiator II” star wrote for Esquire. “I’m unafraid.”

“I don’t care what anyone thinks. 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,” Washington added.

“I’m free now. It’s not talked about in this town. It’s not talked about. It’s not talked about. It’s not fashionable. It’s not sexy. But that doesn’t mean people in Hollywood don’t believe.

“There’s no such thing called Hollywood anyway. What does that even mean? That to me means a street called Hollywood Boulevard,” he wrote.

Nevertheless, the Academy Award-winning actor remains uncertain about the number of fellow actors who share a belief in God.

“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.”