A United States-based pastor, Israel Ford, has announced his marriage to a second wife, arguing that the belief that a man should have only one wife is not supported by the Bible.
Ford, who is associated with LifeWorks Church in Wickliffe, Ohio, made the announcement in a Facebook post on Sunday, accompanied by a video recorded inside the church.
The pastor introduced his new wife, Shakayla Ford, while also acknowledging his first wife, Lydia Ford, who was present with them at the church.
In his post, Ford wrote, “I would like to introduce to the world, my second wife, Shakayla Ford!!!”
He argued that the teaching that a man should have only one wife was something the nation had been taught, insisting that it was not biblical.
“As a nation we have been taught that a man should have one wife only. This is unbiblical,” he stated.
Ford encouraged his followers to watch a full sermon in which he addressed the issue. He said the sermon would be uploaded later in the week and described his position as an unpopular truth that many pastors were unwilling to preach.
“I encourage you to watch today’s sermon in its entirety (uploaded later this week). I understand that this is an unpopular truth that we have gotten away from and many Pastors will not preach,” he said.
The pastor also declared that he would not prioritise public approval over what he believed God had revealed to him.
“I have no plans to choose pleasing man over what God has revealed,” Ford added.
He acknowledged that some people might disagree with his position and choose to distance themselves from him, but said he was prepared to accept their decision.
“People may not accept this and choose to disconnect, and that is ok! This life will be over soon, and we can all laugh about it in Heaven. Until then, God bless,” he stated.
Ford’s announcement has drawn attention to differing interpretations of biblical teachings on marriage and monogamy.
