A United States-based pastor, Israel Ford, has announced his marriage to a second wife, Shakayla Ford, describing the belief that a man should have only one wife as unbiblical.
Ford, who is associated with LifeWorks Church in Wickliffe, Ohio, made the announcement in a Facebook post on Sunday, October 25, 2026, accompanied by a video recorded at the church.
The pastor appeared alongside his first wife, Lydia Ford, and his second wife, Shakayla, as he publicly acknowledged the marital arrangement.
In his post, Ford wrote, “I would like to introduce to the world, my second wife, Shakayla Ford!”
He challenged the widely held belief that marriage should involve only one wife, arguing that the teaching was a product of societal influence rather than a biblical requirement.
“As a nation we have been taught that a man should have one wife only. This is unbiblical,” he stated.
Ford also encouraged his followers to watch a full sermon on the subject, which he said would be uploaded later in the week, promising to explain the biblical basis for his position.
The cleric described his stance as an unpopular truth that many pastors were unwilling to address publicly.
“I have no plans to choose pleasing man over what God has revealed,” he added.
He acknowledged that his position could attract criticism and cause some people to distance themselves from him, but maintained that he was prepared for such reactions.
In the video shared online, Ford’s first wife, Lydia, introduced Shakayla to the congregation as her husband’s second wife.
Lydia reportedly told the congregation that her husband had a second wife and noted that Shakayla was already known to members through her involvement in the ministry.
She subsequently invited Shakayla to address the congregation, where the second wife spoke about the arrangement and dismissed suggestions that she had been treated unfairly.
Shakayla described the relationship as a family arrangement rather than a situation involving rivalry between the women.
According to reports, Lydia also disclosed that her husband and Shakayla had been married privately for nearly three years before the public announcement.
Ford’s announcement has renewed discussions about polygamy and the interpretation of biblical teachings on marriage.
The pastor referenced Exodus 21:10 in defending his position. The biblical passage addresses a man’s obligations to his wife if he takes another wife, including provisions concerning food, clothing, and marital rights.
However, monogamy remains the standard marriage practice in many Christian denominations, with different churches interpreting biblical passages on marriage in varying ways.
Ford said he would explain his interpretation in a full sermon, which he encouraged members of the public to watch before drawing conclusions about his position.
The announcement has attracted attention on social media, with the debate focusing on biblical interpretation, Christian leadership, and whether a man having multiple wives is consistent with contemporary Christian teachings.
