Russell Brand was baptized on Sunday, he says — in the River Thames, despite his tongue-in-cheek fear of catching a virus — and he’s thrilled about it. He thanked those who embraced his decision, while expressing understanding of those who are cynical. He’s not perfect, he explains; he knows he’s going to make mistakes, but “this is my path now,” he says. “I’m so grateful to be surrendered in Christ.”
Speaking as a Catholic, this writer can’t but consider the advantages of baptism in church: waters freed from viruses and demons through exorcism, holy oils, and proper storage, might have been preferable. Yet it’s impossible not to feel hopeful for Brand, and to wish him — and the other right-wing celebrities who have been drawing closer to Christianity of late — great things for the future. There’s a place for cynicism, but there’s also and always room for hope.
Though he doesn’t say he’s joined any specific church, give him time. His wife is Catholic; add to that the fact that only the other day he was teaching his 11 million followers on X to pray the rosary. First, devotion to Blessed Mary; next, Catholicism? Like freshly-admitted convert Candace Owens, we’ll be hearing of Russell at the Brompton Oratory next, clad, perhaps, in the sackcloth and ashes of a conservative blazer and tie. Now that would truly be putting on the new man.
Read the rest (subscription required)
Jane Stannus
