Latter-Day Saints Drop ‘Mormon’ to Emphasize Their Doctrine as Christian

The name “Mormon” apparently is a thing of the past within the LDS church.

Russell M. Nelson, president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, told members Sunday to stop using the term “Mormon” or other nicknames, two days after the Mormon Tabernacle Choir announced it is changing its name to the “Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square,” The Salt Lake Tribune reported. Nelson on Saturday announced another big change: Sunday services would now last two hours, not three. 

The dropping of the name “Mormon” drew the most attention outside of Utah. 

Nelson said using phrases such as “Mormon church” and “LDS church” is “a major victory for Satan.” Nelson had released guidelines in August requesting people to stop using nicknames, but he went further Sunday in explaining the significance.

“When the Savior clearly states what the name of his church should be, and even precedes his declaration with, ‘Thus shall my church be called,’ he is serious,” Nelson said. “And if we allow nicknames to be used and adopt or even sponsor those nicknames ourselves, he is offended.”

Salt Lake City public relations expert Chris Thomas told the newspaper that the dropping of “Mormon” gives the church the opportunity to “emphasize its doctrine, mission and foundation as being Christian.”

There has been controversy over the…