Ford made the announcement on his Facebook page, sharing a video recorded in a church setting in which he appeared alongside his first wife, Lydia Ford, and his new wife, Shakayla Ford.
Introducing his second wife to the public, the cleric wrote: “I would like to introduce to the world, my second wife, Shakayla Ford!!!”
In explaining his decision, Ford questioned the widespread acceptance of monogamy as the standard marital arrangement, arguing that the teaching that a man should have only one wife was not consistent with his interpretation of the Bible.
“As a nation we have been taught that a man should have one wife only. This is unbiblical,” he said.
The pastor indicated that he would provide a more detailed explanation of his position in a sermon expected to be uploaded later in the week. He also suggested that the subject remained controversial among Christian leaders, claiming that many pastors were reluctant to address it publicly because of the likely reaction.
“I understand that this is an unpopular truth that we have gotten away from and many Pastors will not preach,” he added.
“I have no plans to choose pleasing man over what God has revealed,” he stated.
Acknowledging that the announcement might prompt some people to reconsider their relationship with him, the pastor said he would respect the decision of anyone who chose to distance themselves 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.
Ford's announcement has brought renewed attention to differing interpretations of biblical teachings on marriage and the place of polygamy within contemporary Christianity. His planned sermon is expected to offer further insight into the scriptural arguments underpinning his position.