A United States pastor, Israel Ford, has sparked widespread debate after publicly introducing his second wife, Minister Shakayla Ford, while remaining married to his first wife, Prophetess Lydia Ford.
Ford, who leads LifeWorks Church, reportedly kept the second marriage private for nearly three years before the family publicly disclosed the arrangement during a church service.
The announcement attracted attention after Lydia introduced Shakayla to the congregation as her “sister in marriage,” openly acknowledging her husband’s relationship with the second woman.
Shakayla, who is also a minister, reportedly addressed the congregation following the introduction, acknowledging that the announcement could raise questions and generate mixed reactions.
In defending his decision, Ford reportedly argued that monogamy is not the only marital arrangement reflected in the Bible.
He maintained that his decision was based on his understanding of Scripture rather than a desire to gain public approval.
The pastor also referenced Exodus 21:10, a biblical passage that addresses a man’s responsibilities toward an existing wife when he takes another wife.
However, his position has raised questions among Christians, with differing interpretations of biblical teachings on marriage and the qualifications expected of church leaders.