"I want to share that, you know, prophet and I, you know, we are living even right now in what we would call a polygynous marriage."
The clip of the pastor making the announcement went viral on Monday, with the pastor saying that the relationship was the "will of God." Lydia Ford, 45, told the congregation that her husband, Israel Ford, 47, had entered into a relationship with another minister of the church, Shakayla Talley, 28.
"And I want to share that, you know, prophet and I, you know, we are living even right now in what we would call a polygynous marriage," Lydia said. "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 then welcomed her "sister in marriage" on the stage in the clip. The pastor said that she understood people would have "questions" about the arrangement. "But I want to address that it is amazing to know that this is the will of God." She then addressed both her husband and the second wife as "family."
The LifeWorks Church was started by Israel, whose real name is James, in 2009. He claims to be a "prophet" and gives followers "deliverance and miraculous healings." In Ohio, it is illegal to get married while the previous marriage is still in force. It is unclear if the second "wife" is legally married to the "prophet" or if they claim to be married through religious ceremony.
After the footage of the announcement went viral, Israel said on social media that it is "unbiblical" to have just one wife. "I understand that this is an unpopular truth that we have gotten away from and many Pastors will not preach. I have no plans to choose pleasing man over what God has revealed."
"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 added.
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