Third cousin marriage in the Church?

[lini72087]

I found out recently that my boyfriend of 2 years is actually my half third cousin, meaning we have just a great great grandmother in common. Neither of our families had ever met or known of each others existence, and the common ancestor was born over 150 years ago. In fact, we only found out because of a death in the family. My boyfriend sees it as an interesting tidbit, but nothing more. I have done a lot of research on this topic, and understand that this “relation” is practically nothing, but am looking to hear from others with regard to the Catholic belief on this subject. I have been dealing with great anxiety ever since finding out, and I would like some answers and reassurance so that my relationship can stop suffering.

 

[Avocadomom]

It’s fine. Stop suffering.

 

[ClearWater]

I found out recently that my boyfriend of 2 years is actually my half third cousin, meaning we have just a great great grandmother in common. Neither of our families had ever met or known of each others existence, and the common ancestor was born over 150 years ago. In fact, we only found out because of a death in the family. My boyfriend sees it as an interesting tidbit, but nothing more. I have done a lot of research on this topic, and understand that this “relation” is practically nothing, but am looking to hear from others with regard to the Catholic belief on this subject. I have been dealing with great anxiety ever since finding out, and I would like some answers and reassurance so that my relationship can stop suffering.

After your post, I went online and saw this on marrying cousins.

I thought it was illegal to marry one’s first cousin (not that it’s your case). See this.

cousincouples.com/?page=facts

I found the statistics interesting, and they should provide comfort. You are marrying someone twice …I guess the word would be “removed” from that.

 

[1ke]

I found out recently that my boyfriend of 2 years is actually my half third cousin, meaning we have just a great great grandmother in common.

You are third cousins, not ‘half’ third cousins.

I have been dealing with great anxiety ever since finding out, and I would like some answers and reassurance so that my relationship can stop suffering.

Canon law prohibits marriage in the collateral line up to the fourth degree. That would be first cousins. You are related in the 8th degree. You are fine.

Can. 1091 §1. In the direct line of consanguinity marriage is invalid between all ancestors and descendants, both legitimate and natural.

§2. In the collateral line marriage is invalid up to and including the fourth degree.

§3. The impediment of consanguinity is not multiplied.

 

[lini72087]

1ke,

True, in the lineage we would still be viewed as third cousins, but the “half” does come into play when looking at the genetic aspect. The great great grandmother was married twice, and we descend from different great great grandfathers.

 

[ClearWater]

You are third cousins, not ‘half’ third cousins.

Canon law prohibits marriage in the collateral line up to the fourth degree. That would be first cousins. You are related in the 8th degree. You are fine.

Can. 1091 §1. In the direct line of consanguinity marriage is invalid between all ancestors and descendants, both legitimate and natural.

§2. In the collateral line marriage is invalid up to and including the fourth degree.

§3. The impediment of consanguinity is not multiplied.

Really? Interesting.