The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is making changes to many of its media platforms to reflect the faith’s full name and better convey their commitment to follow Jesus Christ.
The changes began after the Church’s President, Russell M. Nelson last year directed members to begin using the full name of the church. He also counseled during the Church’s October General Conference, to avoid nicknames like “LDS” and “Mormons.”
“The name of the Church is not negotiable,” explained Nelson. “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. And if we allow nicknames to be used or adopt or even sponsor those nicknames ourselves, He is offended.”
The changes the Church is making apply to many aspects of Church communications. Beginning today, the Church’s official website has become ChurchofJesusChrist.org in the coming months is will replace the previous site, LDS.org.
The Church has also changed the website address of Mormonnewsroom.org to Newsroom.ChurchofJesusChrist.org. Eventually, Mormon.org will be incorporated into the new domain as well. However, because its primary audience is those outside the Church, merging it will take more time.
Email address of all employees, general Church leaders and missionaries have been changed. The Church’s social media accounts have also been updated to reflect the adjustment.