Denzel Washington embraces faith with baptism and ministerial role

In addition to being baptized, Washington has officially become a licensed minister within the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), stepping into a new role beyond his celebrated acting career.

Washington, who grew up in a Christian household with a Pentecostal minister father, credits his upbringing for instilling the faith that has guided him throughout his life. He is currently a member of the West Angeles Church of God in Christ in Los Angeles but described his baptism at Kelly Temple as his “greatest accomplishment.”

“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,” Washington said during an emotional address at the ceremony.

The Academy Award-winning actor has long been vocal about his faith. Speaking at “The Better Man Event” in 2017, Washington reflected on a promise he made to his late mother. “I’m here to serve, to help, to provide,” he said.

“At 66, getting ready to be 67, having just buried my mother, I made a promise to her and to God, not just to do good the right way, but to honor my mother and my father by the way I live my life, the rest of my days on this Earth. I’m here to serve, to help, to provide,” Washington said, according to WBLS.