Michigan Priest Defrocked After Nazi Salute at Anti-Abortion Summit

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Calvin Robinson, a priest-in-charge at St. Paul’s Anglican Catholic Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been defrocked following an incident where he appeared to make a Nazi salute at the National Pro-Life Summit on January 25 in Washington, D.C. Robinson emulated a gesture associated with Elon Musk while delivering his speech, leading to widespread condemnation.

In a statement on the church’s website, officials emphasized that such mimicry, regardless of intent, trivializes the Holocaust and undermines the sacrifices made against its perpetrators. "Such actions are harmful, divisive, and contrary to the tenets of Christian charity," the statement read.

Robinson defended his actions on Facebook, claiming the salute was intended as a joke aimed at "liberals" who criticized Musk for doing the same. He described the gesture as "dry wit" characteristic of British humor, asserting that he is not a Nazi. This incident follows Musk's controversial remarks at a German far-right rally, intensifying scrutiny over his expressions of German cultural pride.

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