SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Aug. 16, 2018 (Gephardt Daily) — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has hinted that a name change may be in the works, without revealing any details of the nature of the change.
Officials have also said they prefer the media stop using the terms “LDS” and “Mormon” when referencing church members.
The Church released a statement on Thursday, shown below in its entirity:
President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has made the following statement regarding the name of the Church:
“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. 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. Additional information about this important matter will be made available in the coming months.
“See the updated Newsroom style guide, which provides direction on how to properly refer to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In the coming months, Church websites and materials will be updated to reflect this direction from President Nelson.”
The media style guide reiterates existing church preferences for the style of its name, and ask that the terms the terms “Mormons” and “LDS” not be used to describe Church members.
It also asks that when referring to any people or organizations of any faith that practice polygamy, the phrase be added: “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not affiliated with polygamous groups.”
