Ohio Pastor Reveals Husband Has Second Wife, Cites Polygyny as God's Will

An Ohio pastor has announced to her congregation that her husband, a self-proclaimed prophet, has taken a second wife, and that they are now living in a polygynous marriage. Lydia Ford, 45, pastor of LifeWorks Church in Cleveland, revealed the new marital arrangement to her flock, stating that she and her husband, Israel Ford, 47, have entered into a polygynous union with Shakayla Talley, 28, another minister at their church.

'My husband, our prophet, he has a second wife. Y’all know her. Y’all love her. Y’all benefit from her ministry every week,' Lydia Ford told the congregation. She then invited Talley onto the stage, who acknowledged that congregants might have questions about the situation. Talley described the announcement as an 'elephant in the room' but stated that this arrangement is 'the will of God,' emphasizing that the three of them are now 'family.'

Israel Ford, who founded LifeWorks Church in 2009 and claims to offer his followers 'deliverance and miraculous healings,' defended the decision on social media. He wrote that the idea of a man having only one wife is 'unbiblical' and that he prioritizes God's revelations over popular opinion. He added, 'People may not accept this and choose to disconnect, and that is ok!'

Lydia Ford had previously shared a public post in July describing Talley as her 'chosen little sister' and a 'very special person in my life.' She noted Talley's significant contribution to a church event titled 'So, you wanna be a wife?'

Polygyny, the practice of one man being married to multiple women simultaneously, is distinct from polygamy, which is the broader term for marriages involving multiple spouses. In Ohio, state law prohibits entering into a new legal marriage while an existing one remains valid. The exact legal status of the union between Israel Ford and Talley is unclear, with reports suggesting it may be ceremonial rather than a legally recognized second marriage.

Footage of the announcement has circulated online, drawing criticism. Tim Walker, a pastor and TV host, called the situation an 'abomination.' LifeWorks Church has been contacted for comment by the Daily Mail.