SALT LAKE CITY —The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is calling on its members, news organizations and others to use its full and correct name and to avoid use of the term "Mormon Church."
A letter from the First Presidency—the faith's highest governing body—is being sent to more than 25,000 congregations worldwide calling on Church members to "use the full name wherever possible."
The letter reminds members that use of the "revealed name" of the Church "is increasingly important in our responsibility to proclaim the name of the Savior throughout all the world." The name of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was given by revelation to Joseph Smith, the Church's first prophet, in April, 1838.
The move has added significance with the approach of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games and the increased number of news reports about the Church around the world.
Key elements of the Church's re-emphasis of its official name include:
- The official, full name of the Church should always be used by the Church and its members.
- Media organizations are encouraged to use the official name when referring to the Church as an institution in their reporting. They will be asked to avoid references to "Mormon Church," "LDS Church" or "The Latter-day Saints Church."
- When a shortened reference is needed in news reporting or other instances, the terms "the Church" or "the Church of Jesus Christ" are encouraged. When referring to members, the term Latter-day Saints is preferred, though "Mormons" is acceptable.
- "Mormon" is correctly used in proper names such as The Book of Mormon, The Mormon Tabernacle Choir or Mormon Trail, or when used as an adjective in such expressions as "Mormon pioneers."
- The term "Mormonism" is acceptable in describing the combination of doctrine, culture and lifestyle unique to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
