A Michigan priest has faced severe consequences after mimicking what many perceived as a Nazi salute, inspired by Elon Musk's controversial gesture, during a speech at the National Pro-Life Summit. Calvin Robinson, who was the priest-in-charge at St. Paul’s Anglican Catholic Church situated on Lake Michigan Drive, was defrocked on January 29, 2025, following backlash from the community and higher church authorities.
The incident unfolded on January 25, 2025, at the pro-life event where Robinson reportedly concluded his speech by raising his arm and tapping his chest, echoing Musk's gesture made during Trump's inaugural festivities. Musk, known for his brash and often provocative style, had used the salute to signal support to his audience, which Robinson attempted to parody, though he did not manage to escape the backlash.
Following the appearance of the video—where laughter from the crowd could be heard—Robinson defended his actions by stating, “I am not a Nazi. But I forgive you of your ignorance. My heart goes out to you.” While this response tried to mitigate the uproar, it did not assuage the church's concerns, leading to the revocation of his priestly license.
The Anglican Catholic Church issued a statement describing Robinson's actions as “a gesture many have interpreted as pro-Nazi.” They noted, “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 church had previously warned Robinson about using inflammatory political rhetoric and behaviors, advising him to desist actions incongruent with his role.
This episode not only led to Robinson's removal from the church but also initiated significant fallout within the gaming community. The editorial staff of God is a Geek, which Robinson founded and had been operating independently of him for several years, announced their resignation over his actions. They made it clear: “To be absolutely clear, we do not support, share, or condone Calvin Robinson’s politics or actions.” This reflects the considerable impact of Robinson's behavior, prompting those formerly under his leadership to dissociate completely.
Robinson's rationale for the salute was to mock liberal criticisms against Musk, claiming, “The joke at the end was a mockery of the hysterical ‘liberals’ who called Elon Musk a Nazi for quite clearly showing the audience his heart was with them.” Nevertheless, the optics of the situation proved too damaging, as the church clarified why such mimicking, even if meant humorously or critically, is unacceptable. They stated, “Mimicking the Nazi salute is harmful, divisive, and contrary to the tenets of Christian charity.”
Musks’ original gesture during the inauguration was intended to convey camaraderie but became controversial due to its resemblance to Nazi iconography. Defenders of Musk argue he never suggested allegiance to those Nazis, yet societal sensitivity around such gestures mandates discernment, especially by individuals like Robinson who are positioned as authority figures within their communities.
The incident raises questions about the intersection of faith, politics, and media, particularly how public figures navigate humor against the backdrop of sizeable historical trauma. Robinson argued for the importance of contextual awareness; still, the church's reaction emphasizes the weight of responsibility held by those representing religious institutions.
This case serves as a reminder of the volatile nature of public perception and the consequences of actions taken on public platforms. With Robinson now out of the Anglican Catholic Church, it begs the larger inquiry about the cultural space for figures who intertwine outspoken political views with their professional roles. It remains to be seen how this experience will shape both Robinson's future within public circles and the institutions he once represented.