Ask the editor: Why 'Mormon' Times?

Why, while The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is trying to emphasize its full name and discourage the use of "Mormon Church," does the Deseret Morning News call this section "Mormon Times?"

Two reasons.

1. Calling this section "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Times" is just not reasonable because of the length of the title. The church recognizes that shortened versions sometimes are necessary, such as the church's main official Web sites, lds.org and mormon.org, or church-affiliated agencies such as LDS Family Services.

2. The Mormon Times is not an official church publication about the church. An official publication is the weekly Church News — distributed every Saturday as part of the Deseret Morning News.

Mormon Times is about the people, faith and culture associated with the church. The church's media guide says:

• "Mormon" is an acceptable reference to church members.

• Also, "The term 'Mormonism' is acceptable in describing the combination of doctrine, culture and lifestyle unique to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."

You can read the church's complete style guide for media, online at www.newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/style-guide — David Schneider, Editor, Mormon Times

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Send questions to mormontimes@desnews.com