Dad says God told him to circumcise his sons (Morganton, North Carolina)

Dad JOHN MARLOWE is apparently a do-it-yourself kind of guy--even does circumcisions on his own sons. Of course, there's more to the story. Dad says God told him to do the circumcisions. (As a service to Dastardly readers, I checked with God's office. God wasn't available but God's secretary, who refused to give his name, said "What the f---? We never told this a----- any such thing.") The mothers he was involved with said they had been fearful for their lives when they were with Dad. That should give you an idea as to what kind of guy he is.

http://www.wmbfnews.com/Global/story.asp?S=11232718

Man says God told him to circumcise 4 children, self
Posted: Sep 30, 2009 1:16 PM CDT
Updated: Sep 30, 2009 1:22 PM CDT

By Steve Obnesorge

MORGANTON, NC (WBTV) - A father accused of abusing two of his sons by performing circumcisions when they were infants took the stand in his own defense Wednesday morning.

John Marlowe is representing himself in the case, which is being held at the Caldwell County courthouse.

In court on Wednesday, Marlowe admitted he did circumcised the two children. He also revealed that he circumcised two other children in Mecklenburg County, including one of his children and someone else's child. At this time, he has not been charged in connection with the alleged incidents in Mecklenburg County.

Marlowe told jurors the question is whether the children suffered any pain. He says he knows first-hand it's not that painful because he circumcised himself at age 30. He said the reason he performed the circumcisions was because "God told him to."

The case is expected to go to the jury Wednesday afternoon.

On Tuesday, Marlowe confronted his accusers - his ex-wife and a second woman he claimed he was married to at the time - saying the case is all about religious freedom and his right to circumcise his children.

"It hasn't been illegal till now," he said. "Why should it be illegal?"

During the court proceedings on Tuesday, Marlowe implied this was a landmark case and kept reminding witnesses and the court, "Do you understand what the outcome of the case will do to the state and this country?"

Prosecutors say this is not about religious freedom, but instead is about what one man did to his children.

Marlowe's ex-wife, Amber Marlowe, said he used a box knife to circumcise her son.

Sara Fleming, who also lived with John Marlowe, described how he circumcised her child:"He held the foreskin out, took the box cutter, and made an incision."

Marlowe didn't deny doing that or how the infants reacted.

Both women said they couldn't stop John Marlowe from performing the procedure because they were fearful for their lives; Fleming said she left with only the close she was wearing,

"[I was] running for my life," she said.

Amber Marlowe says she's testifying now because she finally feels safe.

"I'm no longer under your power," she said. "I no longer have nightmares of you coming and killing me. I know you are safe behind bars where you can't reach me."

Marlowe was convicted in May in cases involving assaults against the women and the children. He will be sentenced on those charges after this case is over. He remains behind bars in Caldwell County.

As for the Caldwell County victims who were just a few days old when the circumcisions occurred, one is still in the custody of Department of Social Services. The second child is with his mother, Sara Fleming. A doctor says the children are well and should not have any long lasting physical effects.