By Samuel Olusegun Precious
Controversy is trailing the announcement by an African-American pastor, Prophet Israel T. Ford of LifeWorks Church, Wickliffe, Ohio, USA, who has publicly married a second wife and says monogamy is unbiblical.
The viral moment happened on Sunday during church service when his first wife, Pastor Lydia Ford, took the microphone to introduce her husband’s second wife.”Y’all know her. Y’all love her. Y’all benefit from her ministry every week. It is my pleasure to introduce to you all, my husband’s second wife and my sister in marriage, Minister Shakayla Ford,” Lydia announced to the congregation.
The second wife, Minister Shakayla Ford, who serves as worship leader in the same church, responded:”It is amazing to know that this is the will of God.”
Three-Year Secret Marriage
Sources close to the church say Prophet Israel has been married to both women privately for almost three years before making it public.
In a statement on Instagram, Israel defended his decision:”I would like to introduce to the world my second wife, Shakayla Ford! As a nation we have been taught that a man should have one wife only. This is unbiblical. I have no plans to choose pleasing man over what God has revealed.”
He quoted Exodus 21:10 to support polygamy and dared critics to disconnect if they cannot accept his revelation.
Reactions
The video has sparked fierce debate on social media and within the Black church community in the US. While some Christians argue that pastors should be husbands of one wife according to 1 Timothy 3:2, others say polygamy is in the Bible and Ford is entitled to his conviction if all parties consent.
Some members were seen applauding in the viral video, while others remained silent.The pastor has promised to release a full sermon explaining his biblical position later this week.
