Celebrity Baby Blog / David Banda Ritchie

Rumor: Madonna to circumcise David?

by auditioning contributor Sarah M.

Madonna and Guy Ritchie’s adoption of David Banda, 1, is already being looked into by human rights groups in Malawi, David‘s country of birth. Now there’s yet another obstacle for Madonna.  To circumcise the tot or not?

Even though the adoption has not been finalized, Madonna considers David her new son, and so she wants to raise him following Kabbalah custom. Kabbalah  follows Jewish practices and for David to be considered Jewish, David will need to be circumcised.

David’s biological father, Yohanna Banda, 32, has already had David baptized as a Christian.  He said, “This goes against the Christian religion and is not something we would ever consider in Africa. We don’t ever get circumcised here. I would urge her to think again.”

In November, Madonna said “I’m going to adopt another Malawian child very quickly. A baby girl this time, in order to redress the balance.” So, the public criticism and legal battle seems to be worth it!

In the western world, at least In the United States, newborn boys are typically circumcised in the hospital before they go home.  The procedure is done for medical/traditional reasons, not religious.  Jewish baby boys (of observant families) are usually circumcised when they are eight days old as part of a ceremony called the brit milah (or bris). 

If you are a Christian, did you circumcise your son?  If so, why do you think David’s father said it "goes against the Christian religion"? (According to wikipedia, the Feast of the Circumcision of Our Lord is a Feast Day celebrated on January 1, commemorating the circumcision of Christ.)

Also, if this story is true, do you think it’s right for Madonna to circumcise David now?

Circumcision is a very controversial topic.  You are welcome to express your views but please be respectful of other people’s decisions.

Source:  The Sun Online , Photo: People, with permission