Denzel Washington Becomes a Minister, Reflects on Faith in Hollywood

Denzel Washington, the legendary Hollywood actor known for his roles in Training Day and Malcolm X, has embraced a new chapter in his life as a minister.

The 69-year-old actor was officially baptized and received his minister's license on December 21 at the Kelly Temple in New York City, a place deeply tied to his spiritual journey.

Archbishop Christopher Bryant, who performed the baptism, shared the joyous occasion in a heartfelt Facebook post. "We celebrate the addition of Minister Denzel Washington into the clergy," Bryant wrote. "His baptism and licensing to preach mark the culmination of a life rooted in faith."

Washington’s journey to becoming a minister is deeply personal. Reflecting on his spiritual transformation, he 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."

The event was a return to Washington’s roots. The actor grew up attending the Kelly Temple and shared that he had a transformative spiritual experience in the 1980s while visiting another church with fellow actor Robert Townsend. Decades later, his faith remains a cornerstone of his life.

In a recent interview with Esquire, Washington opened up about the challenges of discussing religion in Hollywood. "When you see me, you see the best I could do with what I’ve been given by my Lord and Savior," he wrote. "I’m unafraid. I don’t care what anyone thinks."

Washington noted that religion is often seen as unfashionable in the entertainment industry. "You can’t talk like that and win Oscars. You can’t say that in this town," he admitted. "But I’m free now. It’s not talked about here—it’s not sexy. But that doesn’t mean people in Hollywood don’t believe. There’s no such thing as Hollywood anyway. It’s just a street called Hollywood Boulevard."

The Academy Award-winning actor also addressed his uncertainty about how many of his peers share his faith. "It’s not like we all meet somewhere and discuss what we believe," he said with a touch of humor. "There’s no Church Actor Meetings I’ve been to."

Denzel Washington’s career spans decades, with notable performances in films such as Fences, The Book of Eli, and Cry Freedom.

However, his recent focus on faith and service highlights a deeper aspect of his character that resonates far beyond the silver screen. Archbishop Bryant described his commitment as “truly inspiring,” calling it a testament to a life lived with purpose.

As Washington steps into his role as a minister, his words and actions continue to inspire countless fans and followers. His journey serves as a reminder of the power of faith, even in spaces where it might seem out of place.