US pastor marries second wife, says monogamy unbiblical
The couple said the arrangement had existed for nearly three years and defended it as biblically justified despite online backlash.
- On Sunday, October 25, 2026, LifeWorks Church Pastor Lydia Ford introduced Minister Shakayla Ford as the second wife of Prophet Israel T. Ford during a service in Wickliffe, Ohio, declaring the trio a "polygynous marriage."
- Prophet Israel Ford defended the arrangement on social media, arguing that the traditional one-wife standard is "unbiblical" and citing Exodus 21:10 to support his position that he has lived in this relationship for three years.
- Under Ohio law, polygyny conflicts with bigamy statutes that prohibit a married person from marrying or cohabiting with another spouse; however, the Fords' use of "wife" does not establish legally recognized marriages, and no official investigation has been identified.
- Viral footage of the announcement drew more than 17,000 comments online, with critics citing 1 Timothy 3:2—which defines a church overseer as the "husband of one wife"—to challenge the doctrinal shift amid mixed reactions of applause and shock.
- Israel promised to release a full sermon later this week explaining his biblical interpretation, while the arrangement remains unresolved legally as no formal investigation has been initiated regarding the Fords' union.
78 Articles
78 Articles
Viral Polygynous Pastor Says He Could Take A Third Wife, Denies Rumors His Wives Are Habakkuk Hunching To Spiritual Sister Smithereens
Cleveland pastor Israel Ford discusses his polygynous marriage with two wives, addressing jealousy, power dynamics, and why only he can take additional spouses.
A "Pastor" Takes A Second Wife – The Polygamous Relationship Is Revealed During A Worship Service & The Congregation Responds With A Standing Ovation
During a jaw-dropping Sunday service at LifeWorks Church in Wickliffe, Ohio on October 25th, self-proclaimed “prophet” Israel Ford and his wife Lydia Ford revealed an absolutely shocking secret. With no shame at all, they told the congregation that they have been in a polygamous marriage for three years. Ford and his wife have decided that limiting a […]
Ohio Pastor Defends Having 2 Wives, Declares Traditional Christian Marriage 'Unbiblical' - Charisma Magazine Online
An Ohio pastor is stirring up controversy after publicly revealing that he has two wives and claiming that the traditional Christian understanding of marriage between one man and one woman is actually unbiblical. Pastor Israel Ford, who founded LifeWorks Church in the Cleveland area with his wife, Lydia, in 2009, made the revelation during an […]
Ohio pastor unveils second wife during Sunday service, claims it's the 'Will of God'
A pastor in Ohio is going viral on social media after revealing to his church that he has been in a polygamous marriage. Pastor Israel Ford of LifeWorks Church in Cleveland, Ohio, and his wife, Lydia, shared this during a recent service. Lydia introduced Israel’s second wife, Shaquayla. “I want to share that… Prophet and I, we are living in what we would call a polygynous marriage,” said Lydia. “Our prophet has a second wife. Y’all know her, y’a…
Cleveland Pastor’s Wife Just Introduced His Second Wife to the Congregation Like It Was a Normal Sunday
On October 25, 2026, at LifeWorks Church in the Cleveland area, co-pastor Lydia Ford stood up during service and casually introduced her husband’s second wife to the room. Not a guest speaker. Not a distant relative. His wife. Minister Shakayla Ford (formerly Talley), a woman already known in the church, stepped up to the mic under a “Kingdom Marriage” banner while the congregation processed what was happening. Prophet Israel T. Ford, who found…
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