Mormons are discouraged from using the term Mormon to describe their church, according to a new directive from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Church president Russell M. Nelson released a statement Thursday with the new guidelines.
"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," Nelson said, according to the Deseret News.
"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 church updated its style guide, which said the use of the term "Mormon Church" should be discontinued.
"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," the guide reads.
Arguably the most prominent member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who unsuccessfully ran for president as the Republican nominee in 2012. He is currently running to replace the retiring Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah.
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