How be it my church save it be called in my name?

Recently my church has been in the news for the following statement by our prophet, President Russel M. Nelson:

"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." (Mormon Newsroom)

There is a link to an updated official style guide for the name of the Church where it is requested that media refer to the Church by its proper, full name in the first use, and then avoid terms such as the "Mormon church" and "Mormonism". Actually this is not new -- the new part appears to be a request that people refrain from referring the Church's members as "Mormons".

Social media has picked up on the irony as people have responded to headings such as:

"Mormons don't want you calling them Mormons anymore" (CNN)

"Stop calling the Mormon Church ‘Mormon,’ says church leader. ‘LDS’ is out, too." (The Washington Post)

I do understand the humor in the situation -- after all, the news release was made from the "Mormon Newsroom"! Although I haven't been reading the twitter feeds myself, I can imagine that people are wondering things like... Is the Mormon Tabernacle Choir going to get a new name? How about LDS charities? What is going to happen to the "I'm a Mormon" campaign? That is pretty funny, I have to admit!

What's my take? As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I am grateful for the continued emphasis by our leaders that this church is not the church of Joseph Smith, Russel M. Nelson, Mormon, or of any other man. Rather, it is the Church of our Savior. This sentiment is reflected in the following from the Book of Mormon:

"And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a church be called in Moses’ name then it be Moses’ church; or if it be called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel." (3 Nephi 27:8)

The usage of the term 'Mormon' to describe the Church and its members actually originated from critics of the Church, and was used as a derogatory reference toward the early adherents to the religion. Ultimately, rather than fueling such animosity, Latter-day Saints grew to embrace the term. An oft quoted story in our Church is that of Joseph F. Smith, one of the early Presidents of the Church. He found himself in a vulnerable position when confronted by a group of 'ruffians'. One with a pistol challenged him by asking "Are you a Mormon?" Smith responded famously, "yes, siree; dyed in the wool; true blue, through and through." Fortunately, the situation ended well as the man clasped his hand and responded "Well, you are the [blankety-blank] pleasantest man I ever met! Shake young fellow, I am glad to see a man that stands up for his convictions" (Teachings of the Presidents of the Church, Joseph F. Smith; p. 104).

So obviously there is a balance. We don't want to be rude when people refer to us as Mormons or refer to the church by an incorrect name. It's best to look upon every situation in a positive light and embrace the interest that people have in the religion that means so much to us. This attitude of responding in love to our critics permeates our church culture, as reflected in the Church's only official response to an arguably offensive broadway musical entitled, "The Book of Mormon" -- "The production may attempt to entertain audiences for an evening, but the Book of Mormon as a volume of scripture will change people's lives forever by bringing them closer to Christ" (Mormon Newsroom).

But when we refer to ourselves, we should give people the correct information, that we are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which emphasizes the core meaning of our membership -- that we seek to follow Christ's example and teachings. He taught us by example to serve others, to forgive, to practice tolerance and respect for our neighbors, to love our enemies, and to respond in kindness, thoughtfulness, and dignity when attacked or made fun of.

Even though it can be a mouthful, I am proud to say that I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.