Thoughts on the name of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2018/10/the-correct-name-of-the-church?lang=eng

In the October 2918 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Russell M. Nelson began his talk by stating:

Today I feel compelled to discuss with you a matter of great importance. Some weeks ago, I released a statement regarding a course correction for the name of the Church. I did this because the Lord impressed upon my mind the importance of the name He decreed for His Church, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. [Footnotes omitted]

For many years and a member of the online journalistic community in writing this blog, I have tried to adhere to the Church's Style Guide concerning the name of the Church. The Style Guide is directed at journalists for all types of publications, most directly newspapers. I think it is important to know that any organization whether religious or otherwise would like to be correctly identified. Here is the Style Guide as set forth on LDS.org and here is the URL: https://www.mormonnewsroom.org/style-guide

The official name of the Church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The full name was given by revelation from God to Joseph Smith in 1838.

• In the first reference, the full name of the Church is preferred: "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."
• When a shortened reference is needed, the terms "the Church" or the "Church of Jesus Christ" are encouraged. The "restored Church of Jesus Christ" is also accurate and encouraged.
• 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.
• "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 of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the term "the restored gospel of Jesus Christ" is accurate and preferred.
• When referring to people or organizations that practice polygamy, it should be stated that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not affiliated with polygamous groups.

Please take the time and make the effort to honor this request in all your writings. Since I write in the very public venue of the internet, I think it is necessary for me to be very clear in my personal position with regards to the restored Church of Jesus Christ and to be equally clear in my writing. I honor and sustain President Russell M. Nelson as a prophet, seer, and revelator and as President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and I actively try to live in harmony with the teachings of the restored Church of Jesus Christ. Whether you are a member of the Church of Jesus Christ or not, I would strongly encourage you to adhere to the Church's Style Guide.