A United States-based pastor, Israel Ford, has announced his marriage to a second wife, arguing that the belief that a man should have only one wife contradicts biblical teaching.
Ford, who is associated with LifeWorks Church in Wickliffe, Ohio, disclosed the marriage in a Facebook post on Sunday, alongside a video recorded at the church.
Introducing his new wife, Shakayla Ford, the pastor said he was with her and his first wife, Lydia Ford, at the church.
“I would like to introduce to the world, my second wife, Shakayla Ford!!!” he wrote.
Ford argued that the teaching that men should have only one wife was a belief passed down through society rather than a biblical principle.
“As a nation we have been taught that a man should have one wife only. This is unbiblical,” he stated.
He encouraged his followers to watch a sermon addressing the subject, which he said would be uploaded later in the week.
“I encourage you to watch today’s sermon in its entirety (uploaded later this week). I understand that this is an unpopular truth that we have gotten away from and many Pastors will not preach,” he said.
The pastor also maintained that he would not change his position to gain public approval.
“I have no plans to choose pleasing man over what God has revealed,” he stated.
Acknowledging that his stance could lead some people to distance themselves from him, Ford said he was prepared to accept their decision.
“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 added.
Watch Video
American prophet and his wife reveal they are in a polygynous marriage as he introduces his second wife to the congregation during a church service. 👀
#AmericanProphet #Polygamy #ChurchNews #TrendingNews #Newsclick https://t.co/ioH6Q96STk
— NewsClick Nigeria Media (@NewsClickng) October 26, 2026
