Russell Model Says He's Getting Baptized, Alternative to Depart Previous Behind

Russell Brand‘s taking a big step in his faith journey … announcing he’s getting baptized — and saying it’s an opportunity to move on from the past.

The controversial actor/podcast host posted a video to his Instagram recently … telling his nearly four million followers he’s scheduled to be baptized today and asking those who’d been through the process to share their experiences.

After waxing poetic on religion for a bit, RB makes a pretty eye-opening statement … saying he’s heard it’s an opportunity to be reborn — and leave the past behind.

Brand’s got plenty of reason to want to move on from the past, especially the recent past … because sexual assault allegations from years ago have hounded the star for the last six months or so.

ICYMI … back in September, Brand jumped out ahead of sexual abuse allegations — including claims of rape — on his YouTube account where he categorically denied any wrongdoing.