Denzel Washington, one of the most popular Hollywood actors of the past 30 years, received his license to preach or perform religious ceremonies in the Pentecostal church at the end of a ceremony held at the Kelly Temple Church of God in Christ in Harlem, New York.
During the event, which was broadcast live on Facebook, the star spoke to those in attendance about his connection to religious faith. “In one week I turn 70,” he joked, “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.”
Also speaking at the ceremony was the Oscar winner’s wife, Pauletta Washington, who said: “Forty-six years later, here I’m still standing next to him as only God will have it. 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.”
The star of cult films such as “Training Day” and “Malcolm X” was later baptized by Archbishop Christopher Bryant, who said: “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.”
“Both the baptism and the licensing took place at the Historic Kelly Temple in NYC, a place close to his heart”, he added, “Denzel Washington attended this church as a child and testified to being filled with the Holy Spirit after visiting another church with actor Robert Townsend in the 80s. Denzel Washington’s recent commitment to faith and service is truly inspiring. His baptism and licensing to preach is the culmination of a life of faith.”
Just over a month ago, the New York actor had spoken about religion in an essay he wrote for Esquire, calling it unfashionable. On the occasion, Washington recalled a visit to West Angeles Pentecostal Church in Los Angeles, an experience he described as the most important moment of his life.
The two-time Oscar winner also noted that speaking openly about one’s faith is a rather frowned upon activity among his colleagues in the entertainment industry.
