A recent incident involving right-wing priest Calvin Robinson has sparked outrage and led to his removal from the Anglican Catholic Church (ACC).
The controversy began when Robinson made a gesture at a pro-life rally that many have interpreted as a “Nazi salute,” despite him claiming it was a joke.
The 39-year-old priest, who is also a UKIP spokesperson and broadcaster, defended his actions, saying the gesture was simply “dry wit” and not intended to promote any extremist ideology.
The Controversial Gesture
The incident occurred at the National Pro-Life Summit in Washington, DC, on January 26, 2025.
After delivering a passionate speech about abortion and pro-life issues, Robinson ended his address by raising his arm in a gesture that mimicked one made by Elon Musk during a previous public event.
The crowd at the rally responded with laughter and applause, interpreting the gesture as a playful nod.
However, critics quickly drew parallels between the gesture and the infamous Nazi salute, which led to widespread backlash.
Church’s Response and Revocation of License
In the days following the event, the Anglican Catholic Church announced that it had suspended Robinson’s priestly license, effectively removing him from his position.
The church condemned his actions, stating that the gesture was “incompatible with a priestly vocation.”
Bishop Chandler Holder Jones, the Presiding Bishop of the Anglican Province of America, explained in a statement that Robinson had previously been warned about online trolling and actions that could alienate people.
The bishop emphasized that the church could not tolerate any behavior that trivializes the horrors of the Holocaust.
The ACC also made it clear that, while they couldn’t speak to Robinson’s intentions, his actions seemed to be a deliberate attempt to provoke a certain political group.
The statement further stressed that mocking or mimicking Nazi symbols, even as a joke, undermines the severity of history’s darkest moments.
Robinson’s Defense
In response to the backlash, Robinson has adamantly denied any affiliation with Nazism.
He described the incident as an attempt at “dry wit” in the classic British style, a playful critique of the overblown accusations against Elon Musk, who had also been criticized for making a similar gesture.
Robinson claimed that the gesture was meant to mock liberals who had called Musk a Nazi for an innocuous display of enthusiasm.
Despite the controversy, Robinson maintained that his speech was well-received by the pro-life audience, and he expressed his pride in contributing to a cause he deeply believes in.
He also lashed out at what he described as an overwhelming number of abusive messages from his critics, calling them “bitter, vile, angry leftists.”
Robinson continued to insist that he is not a Nazi and that he forgives those who misinterpret his intentions.
Robinson’s Religious Journey
The controversy surrounding Robinson’s recent actions is part of a longer history of his shifting affiliations within Christian denominations.
Originally ordained in the Church of England, Robinson left after failing to become a deacon and joined the Free Church of England.
His libertarian views, especially on issues like anti-woke sentiment and COVID-19 skepticism, led him to move through various denominations, eventually finding a home in the ACC in the United States.
His journey also included a brief stint as a presenter on GB News, where he was dismissed for supporting controversial comments made by fellow broadcaster Dan Wootton.
Other Controversies in the Public Eye
The incident with Robinson comes on the heels of a public dispute involving Elon Musk, who also faced accusations of making a Nazi salute at Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Musk, who has been vocal in his support of far-right politics in Germany, has denied the allegations, calling the gesture an awkward moment rather than any sort of salute.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) defended Musk, saying the gesture appeared to be an unintentional move rather than a deliberate Nazi reference.
These incidents reflect broader tensions in the political landscape, where symbols and gestures are often loaded with historical significance, leading to sharp divisions between different groups.
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