Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington, 69, received his minister’s license after getting baptized over the weekend.
Washington’s baptism took place at Kelly Temple Church of God in Christ in New York on Dec. 21.
Known for his roles in “Remember the Titans,” “Training Day,” “Malcom X,” “Glory,” “The Book of Eli,” “The Equalizer,” and “Gladiator II,” among others, Washington has spoken openly about his belief in God during multiple interviews throughout his career. He has frequently shared the story of when he was younger and a woman from his church prophesied that he would travel the world and preach to millions of people.
Denzel Washington Gets Baptized
The actor’s baptism, which took place at the beginning of the service, came only a few days before Washington’s 70th birthday. Washington was fully immersed in the church’s baptismal.
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Before the baptism, Bishop William Armstead asked Washington if he believes in Jesus Christ and if he will obey his commandments. Washington responded in the affirmative to both questions.
Then Armstead addressed the congregation saying:
Saints of God, we have come to the most sacred of all commandments ordered by Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, that man everywhere who believe should be baptized. He who has received Christ as his Lord and Savior and has repented and received remission for his sins, doth receive baptism as one who is born of the water. Baptism is an outward sign of an inward conviction or Christian experience. It is a sign of burial with Jesus Christ and risen with him in the newness of life. Therefore, we baptize thee, my brother, Denzel Washington, and the name of the holy name of these witnesses to his dying world that Jesus Christ still receives men and women unto his kingdom by repentance and baptism, which leads to the fulfillment of eternal joy.
Following his baptism, Washington was presented a certificate of baptism.
During the service, Washington recognized his wife, Pauletta, to whom he has been married for 45 years. Pauletta praised God for bringing the two of them together. “You are the head of our house and you have set a great example for our children who are now adults,” she told Washington.
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