- Pastor Israel Ford from LifeWorks Church in Wickliffe, Ohio, has sparked online controversy.
- He publicly introduced his second wife, Shakayla Ford, in a video on Facebook.
- Ford defended his decision to have a second wife using biblical references.
A US-based pastor, Israel Ford, has stirred controversy online after publicly introducing his second wife and defending his decision with biblical references.
Ford, who leads LifeWorks Church in Wickliffe, Ohio, made the announcement in a video shared on his Facebook page. The footage showed him alongside his first wife, Lydia Ford, and his newlywed second wife, Shakayla Ford.
Introducing his new wife to the public, the clergyman wrote, “I would like to introduce to the world my second wife, Shakayla Ford!!!”
Ford also challenged the widely accepted Christian teaching that marriage should involve one man and one woman, insisting that the belief that a man should have only one wife is not supported by the Bible.
“As a nation we have been taught that a man should have one wife only. This is unbiblical,” he stated.
The pastor disclosed that he would share a full sermon later in the week to explain the biblical basis for his position and provide further insight into his views on polygamy.
According to Ford, the subject remains unpopular among many Christian leaders, with several pastors allegedly unwilling to address it because it contradicts widely held beliefs.
“I understand that this is an unpopular truth that we have gotten away from and many Pastors will not preach,” he added.
Despite the possibility of facing criticism over his decision, Ford maintained that he would not abandon what he believes God has revealed to him simply to gain public approval.
“I have no plans to choose pleasing man over what God has revealed,” he stated.
The cleric also acknowledged that his announcement could affect his relationships with people who disagree with his decision. However, he insisted that he would not hold their reactions against them.
“People may not accept this and choose to disconnect, and that is ok! This life will be over soon, and we can all laugh about it in Heaven. Until then, God bless,” he wrote.
Ford’s announcement has since generated debate on social media, with many questioning his interpretation of scripture and how his decision aligns with the teachings and practices of mainstream Christian denominations.
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