VIDEO: US Pastor Introduces Second Wife to Congregation as First Wife Calls Her ‘Sister in Marriage’
A US-based pastor has sparked public discussion after introducing his second wife to his church congregation during a service, with his first wife also present to address members about the marriage.
The pastor, identified in reports as Israel Ford of LifeWorks Church in Wickliffe, Ohio, introduced his second wife, Shakayla Ford, during a church service on October 25, 2026. The announcement drew attention because the relationship had reportedly been kept private for nearly three years before being made public.
During the service, Lydia Ford, the pastor’s first wife, introduced Shakayla to the congregation as her “sister in marriage.” She indicated that members were already familiar with Shakayla through her involvement in ministry.
Shakayla also addressed the congregation, speaking about the marriage and describing the arrangement as part of what she believed was God’s will. Their remarks presented the union as a personal and religious decision rather than something they intended to conceal any longer.
Israel Ford defended his decision to marry a second wife by referring to his interpretation of biblical teachings on marriage. He challenged the belief that a man should have only one wife, arguing that he did not consider such a restriction to be supported by the Bible.
The pastor acknowledged that his position might not be accepted by everyone. He indicated that some people could disagree with his interpretation or choose to distance themselves from him because of the decision.
The public introduction has generated conversations about marriage, religious leadership and the interpretation of scripture. While some discussions have focused on the pastor’s understanding of biblical passages, others have questioned how the arrangement fits within contemporary Christian teachings and expectations of marriage.
Polygamy, in which a person has more than one spouse, is viewed differently across religious traditions and communities. Within Christianity, interpretations of biblical references to marriage vary, with many churches teaching monogamy as the accepted marital arrangement.
The episode has also drawn attention to the role of spouses in decisions involving religious leaders and the impact such choices can have on congregations. By appearing together publicly, the pastor and his wives brought a private family arrangement into the wider discussion among church members and social media users.
The reported decision to keep the marriage private for an extended period before announcing it has added another dimension to the public reaction. However, the precise circumstances surrounding the marriage and the reasons for the delay have not been independently established in the information available.
The incident highlights how personal relationships involving religious leaders can become matters of public interest when they intersect with questions of doctrine, family life and church leadership.
Watch the video below:
Moment an American pastor and prophetess, who are both married, introduce a new wife to their congregation and announce that they are now in a polygynous marriage with a female church member, claiming it is the “will of God.” 😭🤦🏾♂️🙆🏾♂️ https://t.co/Pu52Uf7LWy
— 𝐀𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐲𝐆𝐑𝐍 (@AsakyGRN) October 26, 2026
Source: Thepressradio.com
