One of the most respectable figures in Hollywood over the past three decades, Denzel Washington has officially obtained his ministerial license, marking a significant transition into a new role.
69-year-old Washington was recently baptized by Archbishop Christopher Bryant at the Kelly Temple in New York City, a moment that has been captured and shared on social media.
The multiple award winning actor shared that his journey to this point was a long one, but one that reaffirmed his faith.
In his reflections on his spiritual journey, Washington 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.”
His commitment to his faith comes at a time when he also acknowledged the difficulties of discussing religion within Hollywood, where such topics are often seen as challenging to navigate.
As Washington embraces his new role as a gospel minister, he remains a testament to the transformative power of faith and the belief that change is always possible.
“We celebrate the addition of Minister Denzel Washington into the clergy, having received his minister’s license in the Church of God in Christ today, in a truly uplifting moment,” the post read.
Washington has acknowledged that one “can’t talk” about religion within the industry.
“When you see me, you see the best I could do with what I’ve been given by my lord and savior,” the “Gladiator II” star wrote for Esquire. “I’m unafraid.”
“I don’t care what anyone thinks. See, talking about the fear part of it – you can’t talk like that and win Oscars. You can’t talk like that and party. You can’t say that in this town,” Washington added.
“I’m free now. It’s not talked about in this town. It’s not talked about. It’s not talked about. It’s not fashionable. It’s not sexy. But that doesn’t mean people in Hollywood don’t believe.
“There’s no such thing called Hollywood anyway. What does that even mean? That to me means a street called Hollywood Boulevard,” he wrote.
Nevertheless, the Academy Award-winning actor remains uncertain about the number of fellow actors who share a belief in God.
“It’s not like we all meet somewhere and discuss what we believe. So, I don’t know how many other actors have faith. I didn’t do any poll. How would I find that out? I mean, there’s no Church Actor Meetings I’ve been to.”
One killed, many injured in Ogun road accident
Mariam Taiwo, a 22-year-old woman, has tragically lost her life, with two other passengers sustained injuries in a auto crash that happened along the Sagamu-Ogijo road, Ogun State on Sunday.
According to reports, the incident occurred around 3:40 pm near Network Hotel in Sotubo.
Reports said the accident involved a lone crash with an ash-coloured Lexus 350 Jeep (registration number KRD 858 JR), driven by 28-year-old Ade Awodero Idris.
The driver reportedly lost control of the steering wheel, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and flip into the bush.
Omolola Odutola, the Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed that the DPO of the Sotubo division arrived at the scene promptly after receiving the report.
The PPRO said despite efforts to save her, Mariam Taiwo was confirmed dead at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOSUTH) in Sagamu.
Two other victims, 26-year-old Sikiru Musibau and 22-year-old Damilola Olajuwon, sustained severe head injuries and were rushed to Awal Hospital in Sotubo for treatment.
She said, “The incident took place near the Network Hotel in Sotubo, Ogun State, and involved an ash-coloured Lexus 350 Jeep with the registration number KRD 858 JR, driven by 28-year-old Ade Awodero Idris, who was travelling from Sagamu towards Ogijo Road with three passengers.
“As the vehicle reached the specified location, the driver lost control of the steering and veered off the main road, causing the jeep to flip into the bushes.
“Two passengers, 26-year-old Sikiru Musibau and 22-year-old Damilola Olajuwon, suffered serious head injuries and were promptly taken to Awal Hospital in Sotubo for medical attention.
“In contrast, 22-year-old Mariam Taiwo was found dead at the scene and her body was transported to OOSUTH Sagamu, where the attending doctor confirmed her death.”
Odutola, while stating that the corpse had been preserved for further examination and autopsy, added that further investigations were underway to unravel incidents surrounding the death.
