Denzel Washington embraces faith with baptism and ministerial role

Actor Denzel Washington marked a significant spiritual milestone as he was baptized at the Historic Kelly Temple Church of God in Christ in New York on December 21. 

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.