US pastor marries second wife, says monogamy unbiblical
Israel Ford defended the arrangement as biblical and said the church’s response showed a 17,000-comment backlash online.
- On Sunday, October 25, 2026, Pastor Lydia Ford introduced Minister Shakayla Ford as the second wife of Prophet Israel T. Ford during a service at LifeWorks Church in Wickliffe, Ohio, declaring their polygynous marriage.
- Prophet Israel Ford, who co-founded the church with Lydia in 2009, cited Exodus 21:10 to argue the one-wife standard is "unbiblical," claiming he has maintained this arrangement for three years.
- Ohio Revised Code Section 2919.01 prohibits bigamy as a first-degree misdemeanor, though legal experts note the family's use of the term "wife" does not establish legally recognized marriages.
- During a Tuesday interview, Prophet Ford left open the possibility of taking a third wife, stating any addition must meet his financial and household standards.
- Critics have highlighted Prophet Ford's 2019 domestic violence conviction, while the pastor has promised to release a full sermon later this week to further explain his interpretation of biblical polygyny.
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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