US Pastor Marries Second Wife, Introduces Her to Congregation, Defends Polygamy With Bible
- Israel Ford, an Ohio-based pastor, publicly introduced his second wife, Shakayla Ford, to his congregation alongside his first wife, Lydia Ford
- The cleric argued that monogamy is not rooted in the Bible, saying many pastors avoid the subject because it is unpopular
- Ford said he would not seek public approval over his decision and acknowledged that some people may choose to distance themselves from him
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A pastor based in the United States has sparked widespread debate after announcing that he has taken a second wife and defending his decision with scripture.
Israel Ford, who leads LifeWorks Church in Wickliffe, Ohio, shared the news on his Facebook page through a video recorded inside the church.
Source: Instagram
In the footage, he appeared alongside both his first wife, Lydia Ford, and his newlywed second wife, Shakayla Ford.
"I would like to introduce to the world my second wife, Shakayla Ford!!!" he wrote in the accompanying post.
Ford Challenges Monogamy as a Biblical Standard
The cleric wasted no time staking out a theological position, arguing that the widely held view that a man should have only one wife has no grounding in the Bible.
"As a nation we have been taught that a man should have one wife only. This is unbiblical," he said.
Ford added that he intends to upload a full sermon later in the week to lay out his scriptural reasoning in greater detail.
He acknowledged that the subject is uncomfortable for many clergy members, saying most pastors steer clear of it precisely because it goes against popular opinion.
"I understand that this is an unpopular truth that we have gotten away from and many Pastors will not preach," he added.
Source: Instagram
Pastor says his conviction comes from God
Ford was clear that public backlash would not move him. He framed his decision as a matter of obedience to divine revelation rather than social acceptance.
"I have no plans to choose pleasing man over what God has revealed," he stated.
He also addressed those who might choose to cut ties with him over the matter, saying he holds no ill will towards anyone who disagrees.
"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.
The announcement has drawn significant attention online, with many questioning how a practising Christian pastor in the United States reconciles polygamy with mainstream church doctrine.
Watch their viral video below:
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