US Pastor Israel Ford Marries Second Wife, Says Monogamy Is Unbiblical

Pastor Israel Ford of LifeWorks Church in Wickliffe, Ohio, United States, has announced his marriage to a second wife, arguing that the practice of having only one wife is not supported by the Bible.

Ford made the announcement in a Facebook post introducing Shakayla Ford as his second wife. He also shared his views on monogamy, saying Christians had been taught that a man should have only one wife.

“As a nation, we have been taught that a man should have one wife only. This is unbiblical,” the pastor wrote.

To support his position, Ford referenced Exodus 21:10, a Bible passage that addresses a man taking another wife and states that he must not reduce the first wife’s food, clothing or marital rights.

Ford described his position as an unpopular truth that many pastors were unwilling to preach. He encouraged followers to watch his sermon in full to understand his interpretation of the scripture.

“I have no plans to choose pleasing man over what God has revealed,” he said, adding that he understood some people might reject his decision or distance themselves from him.

A video accompanying the announcement featured his first wife, Prophetess Lydia Ford, introducing Minister Shakayla Ford as her husband’s second wife. Lydia reportedly said the couple had been married privately for three years before the public announcement.

Ford maintained that he was prepared for criticism over his decision, saying he would not abandon what he believes God had revealed to him simply to gain public approval.

The announcement has brought renewed attention to differing interpretations of biblical teachings on marriage and whether scripture permits polygamy among Christians. Ford’s position reflects his interpretation of the cited passage, while Christian traditions differ in their teachings and practices concerning marriage.