US Pastor Israel Ford Announces Marriage to Second Wife, Defends Decision Biblically

A United States-based pastor, Israel Ford of LifeWorks Church in Wickliffe, Ohio, has announced his marriage to a second wife, defending his decision by arguing that monogamy is not the only marital arrangement discussed in the Bible.

Ford made the announcement on his Facebook page, where he shared a video recorded in church featuring himself alongside his first wife, Lydia Ford, and his new wife, Shakayla Ford.

Introducing his second wife, the cleric wrote: “I would like to introduce to the world, my second wife, Shakayla Ford!!!”

Following the announcement, Ford explained that he disagreed with the belief that a man should have only one wife, describing the position as inconsistent with biblical teachings.

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

The pastor also disclosed that he planned to release a full sermon later in the week to explain the biblical reasoning behind his position.

According to Ford, many religious leaders avoid discussing polygamy because the subject is unpopular among sections of the Christian community.

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He maintained that he would remain committed to what he believes God had revealed to him, rather than change his position to gain public acceptance.

“I have no plans to choose pleasing man over what God has revealed,” he wrote.

Ford acknowledged that his decision might not be accepted by everyone and said he understood if some people chose to distance themselves from him because of it.

“People may not accept this and choose to disconnect, and that is ok!” he added, expressing the view that disagreements would ultimately be resolved in heaven.

The announcement has drawn attention to continuing debates among Christians about marriage, biblical interpretation and whether polygamy is acceptable for believers.

Ford’s planned sermon is expected to provide further details about the scriptural arguments supporting his position.