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President Nelson sets out plan to harmonize usage of the Church's name

The Restored Church of Jesus Christ

President Russell M. Nelson has announced the release of a newly updated style guide to ensure proper identification of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“The Lord has impressed upon my mind the importance of the name He has revealed for His Church, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” President Nelson said in a statement accompanying the release of the updated style guide.

“We have work before us to bring ourselves in harmony with His will. In recent weeks, various Church leaders and departments have initiated the necessary steps to do so,” he added.

The official name of the Church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The full name was given by revelation from God to Joseph Smith in 1838.

In the coming months, Church websites and materials will be updated to reflect the direction from President Nelson. “Additional information about this important matter will be made available in the coming months,” President Nelson said.

   

According to the style guide, the Church’s updated naming convention requires that:

  • In the first reference, the full name of the Church is preferred: "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints."
  • When a shortened reference is needed, the terms "the Church" or the "Church of Jesus Christ" are encouraged. The "restored Church of Jesus Christ" is also accurate and encouraged.

  • While the term "Mormon Church" has long been publicly applied to the Church as a nickname, it is not an authorized title, and the Church discourages its use. Thus, please avoid using the abbreviation "LDS" or the nickname "Mormon" as substitutes for the name of the Church, as in "Mormon Church," "LDS Church," or "Church of the Latterday Saints."

  • When referring to Church members, the terms "members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints" or "Latter-day Saints" are preferred. We ask that the term "Mormons" not be used.

  • "Mormon" is correctly used in proper names such as the Book of Mormon or when used as an adjective in such historical expressions as "Mormon Trail."

  • The term "Mormonism" is inaccurate and should not be used. When describing the combination of doctrine, culture and lifestyle unique to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, the term "the restored gospel of Jesus Christ" is accurate and preferred.

  • When referring to people or organizations that practice polygamy, it should be stated that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints is not affiliated with polygamous groups.

Style Guide Note:When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide.