(Today’s Prayer) "Incest causes serious genetic mutations"... Uzbekistan bans marriage within eighth cousins.

The Uzbek government has significantly strengthened marriage regulations to prevent genetic mutations caused by incest.

According to foreign media outlets such as the Times of Central Asia, an English-language media outlet in Central Asia, on the 29th (local time), Uzbek authorities expanded the scope of regulations on incest by banning marriage between uncles, aunts, nephews, and men and women within the same 8th degree of kinship.

Uzbekistan's existing family law only prohibits marriage between direct descendants, biological or half-siblings, and between adoptive parents and their children. This bill significantly broadens the scope of incestuous marriage.

The move follows research by Uzbekistan's Center for Advanced Technologies (CAT), which highlighted the genetic risks of inbreeding.

The CAT researchers explained, "In some regions of Uzbekistan, about a quarter of all marriages are incestuous, which easily leads to genetic mutations. These genetic mutations increase the risk of not only hereditary diseases but also diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer."

"Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Mark 5:48)

Heavenly Father, we hear that countless children in Uzbekistan are groaning under the pain of genetic mutations and disease due to the long-standing custom of consanguineous marriage. We bring before You the heartbreaking reality that 86% of the children tested suffer from genetic abnormalities.

Jesus, Prince of Peace, we see that this harmful tradition passed down through generations is not only destroying the health of a generation but also devastating their souls. Have mercy on the young lives of Uzbekistan suffering from physical illness and disability. May the parents of that land realize the preciousness of life and walk the path of true restoration and change.

Lord, the Uzbek government is amending laws to raise awareness of the dangers of consanguineous marriage and strengthen regulations. May these measures go beyond mere legal sanctions and become an opportunity for this nation to restore ‘wholeness’ both physically and spiritually. May this decision to prohibit marriage within the eighth degree of kinship become a door of life that saves the next generation.

At such a time, may the faithful saints in the land of Uzbekistan rise up. May they hold fast to the word, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect,” and become channels proclaiming God's holy order of creation for the family. May they become warriors of prayer, breaking the curse passed down through the flesh, as they share the healing and love of Jesus Christ with their suffering neighbors.

Thus, may the holy kingdom of God come upon Uzbekistan and all the lands of Central Asia! May every family be renewed in the Lord, and may the gospel of Jesus Christ, who makes us whole, flow to the ends of the earth, leading all nations to the Lord, becoming a holy nation of priests!