Ohio pastor Israel Ford sparks debate after reportedly revealing he has been living with two wives for three years

Ohio-based pastor Israel Ford has reportedly stirred controversy after telling his congregation that he has been living with two wives for three years and defending the arrangement using his interpretation of the Bible.

According to circulating reports, the cleric challenged the traditional Christian teaching that marriage should involve one husband and one wife, reportedly describing the belief that a man must have only one wife as unbiblical.

Ford reportedly argued that Scripture does not prohibit a man from having multiple wives, presenting his position as consistent with his understanding of biblical marriage.

However, his reported remarks contrast with the teachings of many Christian denominations, which uphold monogamy as the biblical standard for marriage.

Supporters of the traditional Christian position frequently reference Matthew 19:4–6, where Jesus speaks about a man and woman becoming one flesh, as well as 1 Timothy 3:2, which describes an overseer as the husband of one wife.

Although the Old Testament records several men who had multiple wives, many Christian theologians distinguish between biblical accounts describing polygamous relationships and teachings that establish standards for Christian marriage.

The reported statements have brought renewed attention to differing interpretations of Scripture concerning marriage, polygamy and the responsibilities of church leaders.

While Ford reportedly maintains that his arrangement is biblically permissible, critics argue that the New Testament presents a different model for Christian marriage and pastoral leadership.