L171
WORLDWIDE CHURCH OF GOD
PASADENA CALIFORNIA 91123

JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

March 1988

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your recent inquiry in which you asked about greeting one another with a "holy kiss," as is mentioned several times in the New Testament.

In the days of the apostle Paul, it was common in some areas for people to greet one another with a kiss. It was neither a law nor a command from God; it was merely a customary method of salutation. You will find this explained in "Smith's Bible Dictionary," under the article "Kiss." A kiss on the cheek or even on the lips is still a form of greeting in some countries.

In today's society, it is more acceptable to greet one another with a hand shake. Shaking hands in greeting is the equivalent of the "holy kiss."

We hope you will let us know whenever we may be of additional assistance. It is our pleasure to serve you.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT

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