Rights body denies issuing policy on circumcision

Canadian Jewish News, January 25th, 2001

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Editorials /Letters

February 8th, 2001 -

Circumcision clarification

I would like to clarify one of the statements ascribed to me in Paul Lungen's article "Rights body denies issuing policy on circumcision" (CJN, Jan. 25).
Mr. Lungen wrote, "Antonopoulos suggested the discussion [regarding circumcison] could prove Œtroublesome' to Jews who practise circumcision for religious reasons."
What I expressed to Mr. Lungen was my view that as Jews alongside the whole of the society become familiar with recently identified implications (ethical and other) of infant circumcision of which they have not been previously aware, a growing number may be expected to find the procedure troubling.
I also indicated my recognition that inasmuch as the discussion relates to a practice central to their religion and tradition, Jews stand to find the general debate over circumcision difficult and challenging.
John Antonopoulos, President
Circumcision Information Resource Centre
Montreal