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What's in a Name?


Saturday, April 24, 2010


Even though many people recognize her as a “Mormon,” Elaine Wood hopes that others will understand that she is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
 
Mrs. Wood, who is from Sydney but currently lives in Salt Lake City, told Fox News recently how significant it is for her to be known as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ.
 
An article  titled "Using the term 'Mormon" was posted on the Church's Newsroom blog this week.
 
The Church’s online style guide for media states:
 
"The official name of the Church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This full name was given by revelation from God to Joseph Smith in 1838.  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. When writing about the Church, please follow these guidelines:
 
  •          In the first reference, the full name of the Church is preferred: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
  •          Please avoid the use of “Mormon Church,” “LDS Church” or “the Church of the Latter-day Saints.”
  •          When a shortened reference is needed, the terms “the Church” or “the Church of Jesus Christ” are encouraged.
  •          When referring to Church 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, Mormon Tabernacle Choir or Mormon Trail, or when used as an adjective in such expressions as “Mormon pioneers.”

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