The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints leaders discourage use of ‘Mormon,’ ‘LDS’

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.”

In an updated Newsroom style guide, it reads, “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 Latter-day Saints.”

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

Church websites and materials will be updated in the coming months to reflect this direction from President Nelson.

You can view the updated Newsroom style guide HERE.