A Call to Christian Consistency: Bishop Budde, Calvin Robinson, and the Christian Response to Moral Failure

“How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while there is still a beam in your own eye?” – Matthew 7:4

In recent weeks, two events have sparked fierce debate within the Christian community: Bishop Mariann Budde’s homily calling for deeper reflection on social justice and Calvin Robinson’s dismissal from the Anglican Catholic Church following his use of a Nazi salute to mock concerns about rising extremism. The stark contrast in the public and ecclesial responses to these events reveals a troubling inconsistency within the body of Christ—one that demands introspection.

The Case of Bishop Budde

Bishop Mariann Budde, an Episcopal leader known for her progressive stances, recently delivered a homily emphasizing the Christian responsibility to care for the marginalized, advocate for justice, and confront systemic evils. Her words were rooted in scripture:

“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.” – Psalm 82:3

Yet, rather than receiving her message as a call to reflect on our duty as Christians, many reacted with outrage. Some accused her of politicizing the pulpit, while others dismissed her entirely for not aligning with their particular ideological stance. How easily we forget that Christ himself disrupted the status quo, flipping the tables of the money changers (Matthew 21:12-13) and calling out religious hypocrisy.

The Mockery of History

In contrast, Calvin Robinson’s recent display at the March for Life Summit—where he mimicked a Nazi salute in an attempt to ridicule those concerned about the growing mainstreaming of extremist rhetoric—was met with a different kind of reaction. While his defenders claim it was a joke, a mere trolling of the so-called “woke mob,” the reality remains: making light of a salute tied to one of history’s greatest atrocities is an act of profound irresponsibility.

Scripture reminds us, “The tongue has the power of life and death” (Proverbs 18:21). Words—and gestures—carry weight. In Europe, Elon Musk’s original use of the salute was so blatant in its intention that it cannot even be legally aired in certain countries. Germany, among others, recognizes that such symbols are not empty—they are tied to real suffering, real death, and real evil. Robinson, instead of showing wisdom, chose to amplify that evil under the guise of satire.

The Christian Heart: Selective Outrage and Moral Blind Spots

Why, then, does Bishop Budde receive condemnation for preaching against injustice, while Calvin Robinson’s defenders rally around him despite his deliberate trivialization of the sins of the past?

As Christians, we are called to be “the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13), not to dilute our moral compass for the sake of political or ideological convenience. We must ask ourselves:

• Why are we quick to criticize messages that challenge us, but eager to excuse those that make a mockery of grave historical evils?

• Do we believe Christ would laugh at a Nazi salute, knowing the millions who perished under its banner?

• Have we allowed political loyalties to cloud our spiritual discernment?

A Call to True Repentance

The Catholic faith calls us to metanoia—a complete transformation of heart. This is not about cancel culture or political alignment; it is about truth.

“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness.” – Isaiah 5:20

If we condemn Bishop Budde for preaching uncomfortable truths but excuse Calvin Robinson’s mockery of past horrors, we must ask whether we are serving Christ or our own biases. We must remember that to follow Christ is to uphold truth even when it is inconvenient.

Let us pray for the grace to recognize where we have been inconsistent, for the humility to repent where we have failed, and for the courage to stand firm in true righteousness.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10