Key Takeaways:

• Calvin Robinson, a priest in Michigan, had his license revoked for mimicking a gesture by Elon Musk at a recent speech.
• The gesture was interpreted by many as a Nazi salute, prompting condemnation from the Anglican Catholic Church.
• Robinson defended his actions as a joke, emphasizing he is not affiliated with Nazi ideology.

LANSING, Mich. — A priest in Michigan, Calvin Robinson, has had his license revoked by the Anglican Catholic Church after he imitated a controversial straight-arm gesture made by Elon Musk during a speech at the National Pro-Life Summit in Washington, D.C. The gesture, performed by Musk during a January 20 speech, was perceived by many as reminiscent of a Nazi salute. At the summit on January 25, Robinson quoted Musk, saying, “My heart goes out to you,” before imitating the action, which resulted in significant backlash.

The church released a statement announcing the revocation of Robinson's license, indicating that his gesture was “interpreted as a pro-Nazi salute.” The Anglican Catholic Church also made clear its condemnation of all forms of Nazi ideology and anti-Semitism, stating, “Those who mimic the Nazi salute, even as a joke, trivialize the horror of the Holocaust.” They further highlighted that Robinson had previously been warned against such actions, which undermined his role as a priest.

In a defense posted on his Facebook page, Robinson insisted that he is not a Nazi, characterizing his gesture as “a joke” intended to mock "hysterical' liberals" who had falsely accused Musk of Nazi affiliations. “My attempt at dry wit was not a joke at the expense of WWII, nor an admission of my membership in the National Socialist Party,” he stated. Robinson, originally from England, has been known for his conservative views and has previously expressed controversial opinions relative to his church's policies.

The incident accentuates the ongoing discussions surrounding Musk's gestures, which have drawn intense scrutiny on social media. The gesture that Musk made at the inauguration celebration involved crossing his arm over his chest and extending it outward, a move that many compared to gestures associated with the Nazi regime. Musk himself has dismissed these interpretations, describing them as "tired." In fact, the Anglican Catholic Church clarified that Robinson’s actions were perceived as attempts to engage with certain elements within the political right, rather than genuine expressions of Nazi affiliations.

Robinson’s case has sparked broader discussions about the implications of political gestures and the responsibilities of religious figures in navigating these complex narratives within society.