A US-based cleric, Prophet Israel Ford, has sparked global debate after officially introducing his second wife, Shakayla, to his congregation during a church service on Sunday, October 25, 2026. According to the cleric, the couple has been secretly married for three years without the knowledge of their members.
In an unexpected move, Prophet Ford gave his first wife, Lydia Ford, the honor of introducing the new co-wife to the assembly. Addressing the church, Lydia described their union as "polygynous" and introduced Shakayla as her "sister in marriage." She further added that the congregation had already been unknowingly benefiting from Shakayla's spiritual ministrations over the years.
Taking the podium, Shakayla characterized the public announcement as "addressing the elephant in the room." She expressed gratitude to God for guiding their relationship, acknowledging that while public opinion may vary, they believe they are living within the divine will and walking in the true image of biblical marriage.
Following the service, Prophet Ford shared a video of the announcement on social media, actively defending his polygamous lifestyle. The cleric argued that religious figures who preach against polygamy are teaching doctrines that contradict the holy scriptures.
