Denzel Washington, the celebrated actor and two-time Academy Award winner, has taken a significant step in his spiritual journey.
On Saturday, 21 December, just days before his 70th birthday, Washington was baptised at Kelly Temple Church of God in Christ in Harlem, New York City.
DENZEL WASHINGTON’S FAITH
The church is part of the First Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ Eastern New York. They also livestreamed the emotional ceremony, according to Today.
During the service, Washington also received a minister’s licence, paving the way for potential ordination in the future.
Addressing the congregation, Washington reflected on the timing of this moment. “In one week I turn 70. It took a while, but I’m here,” he said, his voice filled with gratitude.
DENZEL WASHINGTON’S JOURNEY
The actor, known for films like Gladiator II and Training Day, shared a poignant memory from his youth. At 20 years old, he met a woman named Ruth Green at his mother’s beauty salon.
She delivered a prophecy that would stay with him for decades, according to The Guardian.
“Ruth said, ‘Boy, you are going to travel the world and preach to millions of people,’” he recalled. “She wouldn’t even spell the word prophecy.
My mother wrote the word down…50 years later, look at God. If He can do this for me, there’s nothing He can’t do for you.”
DENZEL WASHINGTON’S WIFE, PAULETTA
Washington’s wife of 40 years, Pauletta Washington, was present at the ceremony. She was beaming with pride from the congregation.
Speaking of her unwavering support, Washington said, “I’m grateful for my loving, faithful wife.”
He continued, “To God be the glory. Hallelujah! Anything I can do, I will do for this church, the Almighty.”
In a moment that resonated deeply with the audience, he concluded, “I just want to be in that number when the saints go marching in.”
FAITH IN HOLLYWOOD
Denzel Washington has often been candid about his faith. In a recent essay for Esquire, he detailed his spiritual evolution.
Growing up attending church, he admitted he didn’t fully grasp the significance of altar calls or “being saved” as a child.
However, a pivotal experience at the West Angeles Church of God in Christ in Los Angeles changed his perspective, according to IMDB.
DENZEL WASHINGTON’S CHANGED PERSPECTIVE
“Things I said about God when I was a little boy, just reciting them in church along with everybody else, I know now,” he wrote.
“God is real. God is love. He is the only way.”
He added, “It’s my job to lift God up, to give Him praise, to make sure that anyone and everyone I speak to the rest of my life understands that He is responsible for me.”
OPINIONS ON FAITH
Denzel Washington remains unbothered by public opinion about his faith.
“I don’t care what anyone thinks,” he said. “You can’t talk like that and win Oscars. Can’t talk like that and party. You can’t say that in this town.”
Washington’s faith journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and spiritual fulfilment.
POWER OF TRANSFORMATION
His words and actions echo the universal belief that transformation and purpose are always within reach, no matter one’s age or circumstances.
“Look at God,” he declared. “The sky literally is the limit, and there’s no limit to the sky.”
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT DENZEL WASHINGTON’S FAITH JOURNEY?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
