Pastor Israel Ford Addresses Backlash Over Introducing His Second Wife To Congregation

Ohio pastor Israel Ford is speaking out about his unconventional marriage after going viral for introducing his second wife to his congregation. Ford, who leads LifeWorks Church in Cleveland, appeared on Larry Reid Live alongside his wife Lydia and second wife Shakayla to explain their relationship, which they say has existed for nearly three years. During a recent church service, Lydia surprised congregants by revealing that she and Ford were living in what she described as a "polygynous marriage." "Our prophet, he has a second wife. Y'all know her, y'all love her, y'all benefit from her ministry every week," Lydia told the congregation before introducing Shakayla. Speaking with Reid, Ford explained that his relationship with Shakayla developed after she became close to the family while helping Lydia recover from surgery. Ford said he eventually developed romantic feelings for Shakayla but wanted Lydia's approval before pursuing another marriage. "I would never marry her until you are okay with it because I can't have two wives if I get a second one and the first one walk away," Ford explained. Lydia admitted that she initially rejected the idea. "Ain't no way. I ain't doing that. That's not for me," she recalled telling her husband. However, she said studying scripture, praying and fasting eventually changed her perspective. Ford also explained why he decided to publicly reveal the relationship after keeping it relatively private. "I believe that if you do something and you preach something, you should live it," he said. "I think transparency is everything. Shakayla, meanwhile, admitted she wasn't enthusiastic about the attention. "I would have preferred to be honest for it to be private," she said. The interview also revealed how the family handles its unusual arrangement. All three live together and combine their finances, while Ford acknowledged that Lydia receives greater consideration in certain family decisions because of their longer marriage. When Reid asked whether either woman could have another husband, Ford rejected the idea. If they wanted, you know, another husband, then they don't want me," he said. Lydia also acknowledged experiencing jealousy when Shakayla joined the family but said open communication helped her work through those feelings. The controversy surrounding Ford extends beyond his marriage Ohio law prohibits bigamy, although it remains unclear whether Ford's relationship with Shakayla constitutes a legally recognized second marriage. Despite the backlash, Ford maintains that his family arrangement is rooted in his religious beliefs.

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