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Calvin Robinson is a right-wing priest associated with the Anglican Catholic Church (ACC), a religious group that adheres to traditional Christian values. He has been a vocal figure in conservative circles, frequently commenting on social and political issues.
Calvin Robinson Mimicking Musk’s Salute
The controversy began when Calvin Robinson attended the National Pro-Life Summit in Washington, D.C. During his speech, he made strong remarks about the decline of Christian values in Europe, calling the current state of affairs a “make or break time” for Christendom.
At the end of his speech, Robinson raised his arm in a gesture resembling the controversial salute made by Elon Musk at President Donald Trump’s inaugural rally. Musk’s gesture had already sparked backlash, with critics comparing it to the Nazi “Sieg Heil” salute.
Backlash After Calvin Robinson Mimicking Musk
A video of Robinson’s salute quickly went viral, garnering over 1.3 million views on X (formerly Twitter). The progressive advocacy group Right Wing Watch shared the clip, drawing widespread criticism. Many people viewed his action as an attempt to align with far-right ideologies.
Father Calvin Robinson finished his remarks at the National Pro-Life Summit by throwing an Elon Musk salute, much to the delight of the crowd. pic.twitter.com/cAE9VyTsl1
— Right Wing Watch (@RightWingWatch) January 29, 2025
The Anglican Catholic Church responded swiftly. In a statement posted on its official website, the Church announced that Calvin Robinson’s association with the ACC had been revoked.
The Church wrote, “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. Mr. Robinson had been warned that online trolling and other such actions (whether in service of the left or right) are incompatible with a priestly vocation and was told to desist. Clearly, he has not, and as such, his license in this Church has been revoked. He is no longer serving as a priest in the ACC.”
Calvin Robinson’s Defense
Following the backlash, Calvin Robinson took to X to defend himself. He claimed that his gesture was intended as a joke to mock “hysterical liberals” who accused Musk of being a Nazi. He also stated that his salute was not meant to reference World War II or Nazi symbolism.
Robinson expressed frustration at the criticism, stating, “I am not a Nazi. But I forgive you of your ignorance.” He further claimed to have received “hundreds of nasty calls, texts, voicemails, and emails” from leftist critics.
In a follow-up statement, he emphasized that those who understood the joke supported him, while those who did not were quick to condemn him. He ended one of his posts with a salute emoji, further fueling the controversy.
Today I received hundreds of nasty calls, texts, voicemails and emails today from very bitter, angry, vile leftists.
— Calvin Robinson (@calvinrobinson) January 29, 2025
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! 🫡💙pic.twitter.com/6n2oufaMbw
Elon Musk’s Reaction
Elon Musk, who has denied that his own gesture was a Nazi salute, has remained silent on Robinson’s actions. Despite widespread discussions online, Musk has not commented on the priest Calvin Robinson's mimicry of his salute.
Debate After Calvin Robinson Incident
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between right-wing figures and their critics. Many see Robinson’s action as a deliberate provocation, while his supporters argue that it was an example of satire taken out of context.
The Anglican Catholic Church’s swift action suggests that they want to distance themselves from political extremism. This case also raises broader questions about the role of clergy in political discourse and how far freedom of expression extends in religious settings.
Conclusion
Calvin Robinson’s removal from the Anglican Catholic Church marks a significant moment in the ongoing culture wars between conservative and progressive factions. Whether intended as a joke or not, his salute was enough to end his priesthood within the ACC. The incident serves as a reminder of how quickly public actions can lead to professional consequences, especially in an era where social media magnifies controversies.
