Ohio pastor Prophet Israel Ford is facing fresh questions about his controversial two-wife arrangement after declaring that neither of his wives would be permitted to take another husband, despite his own decision to have two.
Ford, who leads LifeWorks Church in Ohio, made the remarks during an interview with The Shade Room, following widespread discussion over his public introduction of his second wife, Minister Shakayla Ford.
When asked whether his wives could also have additional husbands, Ford responded firmly:
“No. If they want another husband, they don’t want me because I am not doing that.”
His response has added another dimension to the debate, with critics questioning why he considers it acceptable for a man to have multiple wives but rejects the same freedom for women.
Ford defended his position by arguing that husbands and wives carry different responsibilities within marriage. He maintained that a husband’s obligation to sacrifice his life for his wife represents a greater responsibility than the respect he believes a wife owes her husband.
The pastor also addressed biblical objections to his arrangement, particularly New Testament teachings that describe church leaders as husbands of one wife. Ford responded by distinguishing his religious position from that of a bishop or deacon.
Meanwhile, his second wife, Shakayla, has spoken about the transition from being under Ford’s spiritual mentorship to becoming his wife.
She acknowledged that the change required adjustment but credited Ford’s first wife, Pastor Lydia Ford, with helping her understand her new role.
The latest interviews follow the family’s announcement during a church service on Sunday, October 25, when Lydia publicly introduced Shakayla as her husband’s second wife and described her as a sister in marriage.
The arrangement had reportedly existed for nearly three years before being publicly disclosed to the congregation.
Ford has maintained that his interpretation of Scripture supports a man having more than one wife, citing Exodus 21:10. However, his position remains disputed by Christians who point to New Testament teachings on marriage and church leadership.
The family has continued defending its relationship publicly, with all three describing the arrangement as part of their religious convictions.
While Ford insists that his position is grounded in biblical teaching, his latest remarks have raised another question in the ongoing controversy: should the rules governing marriage apply equally to husbands and wives?