An Ohio-based pastor named Israel T. Ford has sparked online backlash after publicly introducing his second wife to his congregation and declaring that the Christian teaching of monogamy is “unbiblical.” To make matters more complicated, polygamy is not exactly legal in the state of Ohio, and Pastor Ford has thus raised both legal and religious concerns.
Ford, founder of LifeWorks Church in the Cleveland area, revealed the marriage during an October 25 service. His first wife, co-pastor Lydia Ford, introduced Shakayla Ford, formerly Shakayla Talley, as her “sister in marriage.”
“Y’all know her. Y’all love her,” Lydia told the congregation before introducing Shakayla as “prophet’s wife and my sister in marriage, Minister Shakayla.” The announcement prompted applause and cheers from some attendees, while others appeared surprised.
Shakayla, who was already a familiar face at the church, said she expected questions and criticism but described the arrangement as a blessing. She insisted she had not been disadvantaged by the marriage and praised what she called a family dynamic aligned with God’s will.
Israel subsequently introduced Shakayla to his Instagram followers as his second wife, claiming that the widespread teaching that a man should have only one wife was “unbiblical.” He argued that many pastors were unwilling to preach what he believed was the truth and said he would not prioritize pleasing people over what God had revealed to him. He also told followers who disagreed that they were free to disconnect.
The Religious Debates Ensued
According to a report published about the announcement, Israel said he and Shakayla would soon celebrate their third wedding anniversary, suggesting the relationship had remained undisclosed to many church members for years.
The controversy has also reignited debate over biblical interpretations of marriage. Supporters of polygyny point to Old Testament figures with multiple wives and passages such as Exodus 21:10, which addresses a man’s obligations when taking another wife. Critics counter that Jesus referred to Genesis when describing marriage as a union between two people, while the New Testament instructs church overseers to be the “husband of one wife” in 1 Timothy 3:2.
The arrangement has also raised legal questions. Ohio law prohibits bigamy, but it remains unclear whether Israel and Shakayla obtained a civil marriage license or entered into a religious covenant. No criminal proceedings have been identified in connection with the announcement. Online reactions have ranged from theological criticism to disbelief and jokes about the cost of supporting multiple spouses.
“If you wanna be polygamous just say that why you gotta tell your congregation that it’s ‘God’s will’ over some soft piano,” one X user wrote. Another commenter questioned the congregation’s support, saying, “The problem is not that these type of pastors are doing is the problem is they have a following of people who also believe it’s OK.”
One X user summed up the disbelief with a question that many readers might relate to: “2 wives? In THIS economy?” With that said, Ford has promised to share a fuller biblical defense of his position, leaving the debate over his marriage and its implications for church leadership far from settled.
