A US-based pastor Israel Ford of LifeWorks Church in Wickliffe Ohio has announced his marriage to a second wife.
Ford made the announcement via his Facebook page sharing a video recorded in church where he appeared alongside his first wife Lydia Ford and his new wife Shakayla Ford.
Introducing his second wife to the public he wrote: ‘I would like to introduce to the world my second wife Shakayla Ford!!!’
The cleric argued that monogamy as the only acceptable form of marriage is not rooted in the Bible.
‘As a nation we have been taught that a man should have one wife only. This is unbiblical’ he said.
He disclosed that a full sermon explaining his position would be uploaded later in the week and noted that many pastors avoid preaching about the subject because it is unpopular.
‘I understand that this is an unpopular truth that we have gotten away from and many Pastors will not preach’ he added.
Ford maintained that he would stand by what he believes God revealed to him rather than seek public approval.
‘I have no plans to choose pleasing man over what God has revealed’ he stated.
He further said he respects the decision of anyone who chooses to distance themselves from him over the matter.
‘People may not accept this and choose to disconnect and that is ok! This life will be over soon and we can all laugh about it in Heaven. Until then God bless’ he wrote.