SALT LAKE CITY — The faith has the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir, recently made a documentary about its members called “Meet the Mormons” and uses “Mormon” in its official website addresses.
But on Thursday church President Russell M. Nelson said he wants people to stop using “Mormon,” or “LDS” as substitutes for the full name of the religion: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Nelson said in a statement that the “Lord has impressed upon my mind the importance of the name he has revealed for his church.”
The full name was given by God to founder Joseph Smith in 1838, according to the faith’s beliefs.
Its presidents are considered prophets who lead the church through revelations from God. The 93-year-old Nelson ascended to church president in January when the previous president died.
An updated style guide posted by the faith suggests using “the Church,” “Church of Jesus Christ” or “restored Church of Jesus Christ” when a shortened reference is needed. For church members, it requests using “Latter-day Saints” or “members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”
The term “Mormonism” should no longer be used either to refer to the faith’s doctrine, culture and lifestyle, the guide said.
The church says it will update websites and materials in the coming months to reflect the guidance.
The terms “Mormon,” “Mormonism” and “LDS” have been used for decades by the religion, members and non-members to refer to the Utah-based faith that counts 16 million members worldwide.
