Pastor Israel Ford has revealed that he has married a second wife, Shakayla Ford, while still married to Lydia Ford. The LifeWorks Church leader from Wickliffe, Ohio, shared the news on Facebook and made his stance on marriage clear.
And he did not make the announcement alone. A church video showed Ford with both women beside him as he introduced Shakayla to the public. The post soon put his views on having more than one wife at the center of the story.
Ford believes the Bible does not limit a husband to a single spouse. In his view, the idea that every man must practice monogamy comes from social norms rather than scripture.
He also plans to post a full sermon that lays out his case. According to Ford, many church leaders avoid the subject because they fear how people might react.
But public approval is not his main concern. The pastor says he will stick with what he believes God has taught him, even if his views on marriage upset some people.
As for anyone who wants to cut ties, Ford says he respects that choice. He also hopes those who disagree with him can one day look back on the dispute without anger, even if they never share his beliefs.
And he did not make the announcement alone. A church video showed Ford with both women beside him as he introduced Shakayla to the public. The post soon put his views on having more than one wife at the center of the story.
Ford believes the Bible does not limit a husband to a single spouse. In his view, the idea that every man must practice monogamy comes from social norms rather than scripture.
He also plans to post a full sermon that lays out his case. According to Ford, many church leaders avoid the subject because they fear how people might react.
But public approval is not his main concern. The pastor says he will stick with what he believes God has taught him, even if his views on marriage upset some people.
As for anyone who wants to cut ties, Ford says he respects that choice. He also hopes those who disagree with him can one day look back on the dispute without anger, even if they never share his beliefs.
