JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

January 1988

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your recent question concerning marriage between relatives.

In the beginning, marriages between close relatives were permitted. It is clear that the sons of Adam married their sisters with God's approval. At that time, people had a stronger genetic makeup, and marriage among close relatives did not adversely affect the children. It appears that even Up to the time of Moses, marriage to a half sister or an aunt was permissible (Gen. 20:12; Ex. 6:20).

When God gave the civil laws to Moses for Israel as a nation, marriage between those who were closely related was forbidden (Lev. 18 and 20). This law was given to prevent degeneration. Today, marriage between first cousins, for example, is forbidden by law in most states in the United States. Marriage of closely related persons risks producing mentally or physically handicapped children.

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