A United States-based pastor, Israel Ford, has publicly announced that he has taken a second wife, saying he does not believe a man should have only one wife.

Ford, who is associated with LifeWorks Church in Wickliffe, Ohio, made the announcement on Facebook on Sunday while sharing a video recorded at the church.

The pastor introduced Shakayla Ford as his second wife and said she was at the church with him and his first wife, Lydia Ford.

“I would like to introduce to the world, my second wife, Shakayla Ford!!!” Ford wrote.

Explaining his position, Ford said the belief that a man should have only one wife was a teaching passed down within society.

“As a nation we have been taught that a man should have one wife only. This is unbiblical,” he stated.

Ford said he would further address the subject in a sermon and encouraged his followers to watch the full message when it is uploaded.

“I encourage you to watch today’s sermon in its entirety (uploaded later this week). I understand that this is an unpopular truth that we have gotten away from and many Pastors will not preach,” he said.

Ford acknowledged that his position could attract criticism and cause some people to distance themselves from him.

However, he said he had no intention of changing his stance simply to gain public approval.

“I have no plans to choose pleasing man over what God has revealed,” the pastor said.

He added that people who disagreed with him were free to walk away.

“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,” Ford stated.