Pastor Israel Ford Defends Second Marriage, Says One-Wife Rule Is Unbiblical
Pastor Israel Ford of LifeWorks Church in Wickliffe, Ohio, has defended his decision to marry a second wife, arguing that the belief that men must have only one wife is not supported by the Bible.
The US-based cleric announced his marriage to Shakayla Ford through a Facebook post accompanied by a video recorded in church. The video featured Ford alongside his first wife, Lydia Ford, and his newly introduced wife.
“I would like to introduce to the world, my second wife, Shakayla Ford!!!” he wrote.
Ford used the announcement to challenge what he described as a widely accepted understanding of marriage within society and the church.
“As a nation we have been taught that a man should have one wife only. This is unbiblical,” he said.
He explained that he intended to publish a full sermon later in the week to present his interpretation of biblical teachings on the subject.
According to the pastor, many ministers are reluctant to address polygamy publicly because they consider it a controversial or unpopular topic.
Ford insisted that public opinion would not determine his decision, maintaining that he intended to follow what he believes God had revealed to him.
“I have no plans to choose pleasing man over what God has revealed,” he stated.
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The pastor also recognised that some people might disagree with his position or decide to end their association with him.
He said he would respect their decision, adding that differences in opinion should not prevent people from maintaining their faith.
His announcement has renewed discussion about biblical accounts of polygamy and the different interpretations of marriage within Christianity.
While some biblical figures had multiple wives, many Christian traditions today teach monogamy as the standard for marriage.
Ford’s forthcoming sermon is expected to outline the scriptural basis for his position and explain why he believes a one-wife requirement is not exclusively mandated by the Bible.
The development has attracted attention because of its implications for religious leadership, church teaching and contemporary Christian beliefs about marriage.
