An Ohio pastor has publicly introduced a second wife with the participation of his first wife, challenging Christian teaching on marriage and prompting questions about his interpretation of Scripture and pastoral leadership.
According to The Roys Report, Israel Ford, founder of LifeWorks Church in the Cleveland area, shared an Instagram video on October 25 announcing the relationship. His first wife and fellow pastor, Lydia Ford, introduced Minister Shakayla Talley Ford to the congregation, which responded with a standing ovation.
Ford defended the arrangement in his accompanying post, describing the teaching that a man should have only one wife as "unbiblical."
He cited Exodus 21:10, a passage addressing a man's responsibilities toward an existing wife when taking another. Ford also directed viewers to a forthcoming sermon explaining his position.
That appeal to Scripture places biblical interpretation at the centre of the controversy: whether a passage regulating an existing marital practice establishes that practice as a model for Christian marriage and church leadership.
The Roys Report noted that some commenters challenged Ford by citing 1 Timothy 3:2, which addresses an overseer's marital faithfulness and qualifications for ministry.
Lydia described the relationship as a "polygynous marriage," referring specifically to one man having multiple wives. Her public participation made the announcement particularly striking: the congregation heard the relationship presented with the support of both women.
Shakayla told worshippers that she regarded the arrangement as consistent with God's will. She also sought to reassure members that her role would remain distinct from Lydia's pastoral position.
"I'm still Minister Shakayla. I'm not a pastor," she said.
Shakayla further suggested that the church could become a place of worship for people in similar relationships who had been excluded elsewhere.
That statement gives the announcement implications beyond Ford's household. It suggests the congregation could welcome others practising polygyny, although the supplied report does not establish whether LifeWorks has adopted a formal policy.
The report also leaves significant details unresolved, including whether the second union was legally registered or represents a religious arrangement.
For now, Ford has publicly defended his position, while his promised sermon is expected to provide a fuller explanation of the biblical case he is making.
