JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

January 1988

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your question concerning Unidentified Flying Objects or UFOs.

There has been much speculation on the subject of UFOs, commonly referred to as "Flying Saucers." In 1947 the United States Air Force began an investigation of UFO sightings in a study known as Project Blue Book. This investigation was officially terminated in December of 1969. During its span of operation, more than 12,000 UFO sightings were examined. Most of the reported phenomena were shown to have a definite, physical explanation. But, about 700 were totally unexplainable. They were classified as bona fide Unidentified Flying Objects.

Although many theories have been advanced in an attempt to explain UFOs, none is really satisfactory. And we should discount any wild speculations, such as UFOs being spacecraft piloted by physical beings from another solar system.

Numerous articles and a number of books have been published on this subject. One such book, coauthored by Gordon I. R. Lore, Jr. and Harold H. Deneault, Jr., is titled "Mysteries of the Skies -- UFOs in Perspective." Our mentioning this book does not mean we necessarily agree with everything the authors have written. The staff of your local library, no doubt, could help you find other sources of information.

Whenever we can assist you further with your study of the Bible, we hope you will let us know. It is our pleasure to serve you.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT