A FORMER GB News host has been defrocked as a priest following controversy over what many have labeled a "Nazi salute". Calvin Robinson, who previously hosted his own show at GB News, performed the gesture during his speech at the National Pro-Life Summit held on January 25, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The Anglican Catholic Church, which he served, has since revoked his ministerial license.
During the summit, Robinson imitated a gesture made by Elon Musk, quoting him by saying, "My heart goes out to you" before mimicking Musk's straight-arm movement. This motion sparked outrage, as many attendees interpreted it as akin to the infamous Nazi salute.
Following the incident, the Anglican Catholic Church issued a statement, declaring, "We believe those who mimic the Nazi salute, even as a joke or as trolling, trivialize the horror of the Holocaust and diminish the sacrifice of those who fought against its perpetrators." This statement, along with Robinson's actions, has ignited discussions about the boundaries of humor and expression within religious vocations.
Calvin Robinson, previously serving as the priest-in-charge of St. Paul’s Anglican Catholic Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, asserted on his Facebook page, "For the record, I am not a Nazi." He described his gesture as part of a joke aimed at mocking liberals who labeled Musk as such, implying it was meant as satire rather than any form of endorsement for extremist ideologies.
The church's statement continued, explaining, "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." This remark suggests the potential political undercurrents intertwined with Robinson's actions, hinting at broader cultural tensions.
Robinson’s history as a commentator and his outspoken conservative views have also come under scrutiny. He has had roles within other religious denominations, including the Nordic Catholic Church and the Free Church of England, yet faced issues due to his more conservative stance. The church indicated he had previously been warned against such behaviors, stating, "Mr. Robinson had been warned...that online trolling and other such actions are incompatible with a priestly vocation and was told to desist. Clearly, he has not, and as such, his license has been revoked." The swift actions taken by the church highlight how serious it considers the violation.
At the summit where the incident occurred, Robinson praised the Trump administration's anti-abortion policies, reflecting his alignment with conservative political movements. His remarks included, "The whole of the Old World is crumbling. Every country in Europe is embracing death. America is the only country fighting for life," establishing him firmly within the right-leaning circles.
The Anglican Catholic Church maintained its position against Robinson's gesture, emphasizing how such actions can deeply offend and harm communal sensitivities tied to historical atrocities. The church underscored its commitment to Christian charity, arguing against any actions perceived as mocking or undermining moral principles.
Interestingly, Elon Musk's original gesture, made during his speech on January 20, 2025, was seen differently by some, with the Anti-Defamation League stating it was not intended as a Nazi salute but rather as awkward enthusiasm. This points to the complexity of symbolism and interpretation within political expressions, especially when figures on different sides of the ideological spectrum engage with similar gestures.
Robinson's commentary has not escaped the impacts of social media, where he has developed a considerable following. After the controversy, he emphasized the attempt at dry humor, stating it was meant to reflect his British sensibilities rather than any endorsement of extremist views.
The revocation of his license not only affects his clerical status but also his professional relationships, as he is reported to have lost ownership of Godisageek.com, the video game news outlet where he served as owner. Staff members reportedly left due to the incident, shedding light on the collateral damage stemming from his controversial public actions.
With public discourse increasingly polarized, Robinson's situation raises important questions about accountability and the intersection between personal expression and professional responsibilities, particularly within religious contexts. The fallout from this incident will likely continue as the conversation surrounding political symbolism and freedom of expression evolves.
Robinson’s case serves as a reminder of the power words and gestures carry, and the repercussions when they are misinterpreted or seen as trivializing significant historical events. The Anglican Catholic Church remains firm on the ethical standards it expects from its clergy, clearly stating such behavior is intolerable within its community.