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A priest has been fired from his church for imitating Elon Musk’s straight-arm, Nazi-like gesture during his speech at U.S. President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Calvin Robinson, who was leading an Anglican Catholic Church parish in Michigan, spoke at the National Pro-Life Summit in Washington, D.C. last weekend and repeated the gesture while speaking to the crowd.
"This is the last stand for Christendom. It’s make-or-break time. The whole of the old world is crumbling," Robinson said during his speech. "Every country in Europe is embracing death. America, as far as I can see, is the only country fighting for life. And that’s down to you guys. So God bless all of you for doing what you’re doing. Please keep doing it."
"I hope that I can encourage you, and my heart goes out to you," he added before mimicking Musk’s arm gesture and smiling at the crowd, who erupted in applause and laughter.
The Anglican Catholic Church (ACC) posted a statement on their website’s homepage in response to Robinson’s actions, letting the public know that the members of the College of Bishops of the ACC were made aware "of a post made on X showing the end of a speech made by Calvin Robinson at the National Pro-Life Summit." "In it, he closed his comments with a gesture that many have interpreted as a pro-Nazi salute. While we cannot say what was in Mr. Robinson’s heart when he did this, his action appears to have been an attempt to curry favor with certain elements of the American political right by provoking its opposition," the statement continued.
Robinson shared the clip of his speech on X, writing, "Today I received hundreds of nasty calls, texts, voicemails and emails today from very bitter, angry, vile leftists. They are often the very thing they accuse you of. I am not a Nazi. But I forgive you of your ignorance! My heart goes out to you!"
The church said that Robinson’s licence in their church has been revoked and he is no longer serving as a priest in the ACC. "The Holocaust was an episode of unspeakable horror, enacted by a regime of evil men. We condemn Nazi ideology and anti-Semitism in all its forms," the church’s statement read. "And we believe that those who mimic the Nazi salute, even as a joke or an attempt to troll their opponents, trivialize the horror of the Holocaust and diminish the sacrifice of those who fought against its perpetrators. Such actions are harmful, divisive, and contrary to the tenets of Christian charity."
Robinson posted another lengthy statement on X, writing, "Yes, it does seem my license has been revoked. I cannot go into any detail yet because I have none. I am obedient to my bishops, and I have not heard from the Archbishop yet — so I do not know the situation or what I am able to share. I learned this the same way you did, via social media."
The controversy with Robinson follows Musk’s speech on Jan. 20 at Trump’s inauguration. "I just want to say thank you for making it happen," Musk said to the crowd at Capital One Arena, referring to Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential election. Then he slapped his hand on his chest and extended his arm straight out and up with his palm facing down.
The church’s decision to revoke Robinson’s licence has sparked controversy, with many critics accusing the church of overreacting. Others have defended the move, citing the harm caused by Robinson’s actions.
Conclusion:
The controversy surrounding Robinson’s actions has highlighted the need for greater awareness and sensitivity towards the Holocaust and anti-Semitism. The Anglican Catholic Church’s decision to revoke Robinson’s licence serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the sacrifices made by those who fought against Nazi ideology and anti-Semitism.
FAQs:
- Why was Calvin Robinson’s licence revoked?
Robinson’s licence was revoked due to his immitation of Elon Musk’s straight-arm, Nazi-like gesture during his speech at the National Pro-Life Summit. - What was the purpose of the National Pro-Life Summit?
The National Pro-Life Summit was an event held to promote the pro-life movement and to discuss issues related to abortion and life. - How did Elon Musk respond to the accusations that his gesture looked like a Nazi salute?
Musk responded to the accusations on X, saying that the "everyone is Hitler" attack is "sooo tired" and that he needs better "dirty tricks."