More than likely you would need to contact a priest and get him to provide you with the particular Canon Law, that restricts marriages between two people of close relationship. Then again, you may need a priest to help with the interpretation of the law. I have had the experience of having a relative marry her 2nd cousin, but a Catholic priest refused to perform the ceremony, as it was against the law of the church for 2nd cousins to marry, yet shortly after, the married 2nd cousins were allowed to have their marriage blessed, in the catholic church. Since the priest would not perform the original marriage, a Baptist minister performed the marriage ceremony. Having said that, there seems to be confusion about the issue, in that there is also this interpretation: (1) You can't marry a "direct line" relative (parent, grandparent, child, grandchild). (2) You can't marry certain "collateral line" blood relatives (aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, first cousin). The first first four of these are called the "third degree" of collateral consanguinity. The first cousin is the "fourth degree." For the first cousin, you step from yourself (1) to a parent (2) to an aunt/uncle (3) to a first cousin (4th degree). A sibling (brother/sister or half-) is referred to as the "second degree" of collateral consanguinity.] (3) You can marry collateral line blood relatives who are further removed -- i.e., "fifth degree" or more. This would include "first cousin once removed" [a child of your first cousin], "second cousin," and so forth. Canon Law: Canon 1091 .. §1 Marriage is invalid between those related by consanguinity in all degrees of the direct line, whether ascending or descending, legitimate or natural. §2 In the collateral line, it is invalid up to the fourth degree inclusive. §3 The impediment of consanguinity is not multiplied. §4 A marriage is never to be permitted if a doubt exists as to whether the parties are related by consanguinity in any degree of the direct line, or in the second degree of the collateral line. Canon 1092 .. Affinity in any degree of the direct line invalidates marriage Canon 1094 .. Those who are legally related by reason of adoption cannot validly marry each other if their relationship is in the direct line or in the second degree of the collateral line. Canon 1078 .. §1 The local Ordinary can dispense his own subjects wherever they are residing, and all who are actually present in his territory, from all impediments of ecclesiastical law, except for those whose dispensation is reserved to the Apostolic See. . §3 A dispensation is never given from the impediment of consanguinity in the direct line or in the second degree of the collateral line. Sally Rolls Pavia Sun City, AZ [email protected] List Owner: [email protected] Archives: http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index/GENEALOGYBITSANDPIECES/ "Without genealogy, the study of history is lifeless." All incoming and outgoing email checked by Norton Anti-Virus 2002 .