"The Church does not seek to diminish the religious prerogative of any of these polygamous groups. Rather, it simply urges the use of terminology that clarifies the true identity of each party involved. Ultimately, these groups can define themselves any way they wish as long as they don't distort the well-established identity of a long-standing church," the LDS statement said.

The LDS Church began a public relations campaign in June to promote the distinctions between it and the FLDS after a nationwide survey showed much confusion. The campaign includes Web videos of Mormon faithful in Texas describing their lives and their beliefs. Letters were also sent to news media pointing out the differences between the LDS and the FLDS, noting that the word "Mormon" is a trademarked term. The LDS Church's latest statement zeroes in on the FLDS Church, noting that it was originally called "The Work," "The Priesthood Work" and the "United Effort Plan," before incorporating itself as The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

"To any average observer, it doesn't seem fair or reasonable for a comparatively small religious group to adopt the full name of another well-established church after more than a century and a half," the LDS Church said.

Principle Voices director Mary Batchelor told the Deseret News Thursday she would let the pro-polygamy group's earlier statements speak for themselves. The LDS Church stressed in its statement that it was not attacking or belittling other faiths.

"But it will continue to better inform the public and media about its true identity and encourage its members to speak for themselves," the statement said.

The church's complete statement is available at www.newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/proportion-and-perspective-on-polygamy-reporting.

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E-mail: bwinslow@desnews.com