A Anglican Catholic priest, Calvin Robinson, has had his license revoked after he imitated a controversial gesture at an anti-abortion summit in Washington, which bears a resemblance to the Nazi salute. Robinson urged the audience to follow the example of the US, which “fights for life” while “the old world is collapsing” according to Newsweek.
He expressed his sympathy for the attendees, patted his chest and then raised his arm in a gesture reminiscent of the Roman salute, later adopted by the National Socialists. The publication quotes him as saying: “This is a fateful moment. The old world is collapsing. Every country in Europe is deciding for death. America is the only country that fights for life. May God bless you for all you do. Keep going like this. I hope I can inspire you. My heart is with you.”
After his appearance, the priest faced intense criticism on social media. According to his own account, he received hundreds of messages and calls from “very bitter and nasty” people. Robinson emphasized that he is not a National Socialist and spoke of “forgiveness of their ignorance.”
“The people see what they want to see” the US priest said.
A spokesperson for the Anglican Catholic Church suggested that Robinson had attempted to make a name for himself among certain circles of the political right in the US. The church official confirmed that Robinson’s priestly license had been revoked, stating, “He is no longer a priest of the Anglican Catholic Church.”
Just days prior, entrepreneur Elon Musk had shown a similar gesture at a parade following the inauguration of President Donald Trump, sparking a wide public debate. In his speech, Musk discussed city safety, border protection and a reasonable fiscal policy and assured the audience that his heart was with them.
According to the news agency Regnum, Musk was criticized by supporters of the US Democrats for appearing to align with the Republicans. Internet users could not agree on a unified interpretation of the gesture, with some seeing it as a reference to the “Bellamy salute” a gesture used in the US until 1942, rather than the Nazi salute.