The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has asked that people use the full, official name of the Church as given by revelation from God to Joseph Smith in 1838.

• Name of the Church. After using the full name of the Church, appropriate shortened references include “the Church,” the “Church of Jesus Christ,” or the “restored Church of Jesus Christ.” The abbreviation “LDS” or the nickname “Mormon” should not be used as substitutes for the name of the Church, such as “Mormon Church” and “LDS Church.”
• Members of the Church. Preferred terms include “members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” or “Latter-day Saints.” The Church asks that the term “Mormons” not be used.
• Other terms. “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, the term “the restored gospel of Jesus Christ” is accurate and preferred.

President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 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.

The Newsroom style guide provides direction on how to properly refer to the Church. In the coming months, Church websites and materials will be updated to reflect this direction from President Nelson.