Ford, associated with LifeWorks Church in Wickliffe, Ohio, announced the marriage to Minister Shakayla Ford on social media on October 25. During the church service, Lydia introduced Shakayla as her husband’s second wife and described the family arrangement as a polygynous marriage.

Shakayla told the congregation that she had not felt disadvantaged by the arrangement and described it as a family relationship rather than a rivalry between the two women.

Ford has defended his decision, arguing that the belief that a man should have only one wife is not universally supported by his interpretation of the Bible. He also acknowledged that some people may disagree with his position.

The announcement has generated mixed reactions online, with some social media users questioning the arrangement and others discussing its religious implications.

The pastor and the two women have maintained that their relationship has existed for nearly three years, although it only recently became public.

Photo courtesy: Israel Ford, Lydia Ford, Shakayla Ford, Church Leaders