Ohio Pastor Announces Polygynous Marriage to Congregation

Israel Ford, co-founder of LifeWorks Church in Cleveland, Ohio, recently announced to his congregation that he has been living in a polygynous marriage for the past three years. During a Sunday service, Ford introduced Shakayla Ford as his second wife, alongside his first wife and church co-founder, Lydia Ford.

In his announcement, Pastor Ford stated his belief that the traditional practice of monogamy is unbiblical and claimed that God endorses his current arrangement. He acknowledged that his position is unpopular and stated he prioritizes his interpretation of divine revelation over societal expectations. Lydia Ford and Shakayla Ford, who serves as a minister at the church, both expressed support for the relationship, describing it as the will of God. While polygamy is illegal in the United States, the church leadership maintains that their arrangement is a spiritual matter.