Why the world's largest Mormon organization is actively distancing itself from the name Mormon.

Cultures · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is pushing to retire the term Mormon, citing its derogatory history and confusion with splinter groups that still practice polygamy. Despite the label's deep cultural roots, the church now emphasizes its full name to clarify its Christian identity and doctrinal boundaries.

The Latter Day Saint movement began in 1830 with Joseph Smith, who claimed to have translated the Book of Mormon from golden plates. Following Smith's 1844 death, the movement fractured. The largest branch, led by Brigham Young, migrated to the Utah Territory to build a utopian society known as Zion. This era was marked by the practice of plural marriage, which became a defining, albeit controversial, feature of the faith. By 1890, church president Wilford Woodruff issued a Manifesto suspending the practice, and by 1904, it was officially disavowed, leading to the excommunication of those who continued it.

Today, the church, which reported over 16.8 million members by the end of 2021, seeks to distance itself from fundamentalist groups that still practice polygamy. The term Mormon, once embraced by members, is now rejected by the church's 2018 style guide. Leaders argue the name causes confusion regarding the church's Christian status and its historical association with polygamous splinter sects. The church emphasizes that it is a restored Christian faith, guided by living prophets, with a unique cosmology that views all people as literal spirit children of God.

Mormon culture is defined by a strong sense of community, lay leadership, and rigorous lifestyle codes. Members adhere to the Word of Wisdom, which prohibits alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea, and follow a strict law of chastity. Family life is central, with a belief that families can be sealed together beyond death. While the church's cultural influence remains centered in Utah, it has become a global organization, with about 60% of its members living outside the United States. Despite this global reach, the church maintains doctrinal uniformity through a top-down hierarchy, ensuring that congregations from Africa to the South Pacific share the same core practices and values.

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