This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.
Mormon name misused
An Aug. 14 staff and wire report in The Spokesman-Review (the online version) entitled “Polygamist Mormons face new charges in British Columbia” refers to members of the “Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” having multiple wives. The article connected the fundamentalist group with Mormons.
To set the record straight, if they are polygamists, they are not Mormons. The term was used in error. Former church President Gordon B. Hinckley made the official statement on the church’s position on plural marriage: “This church has nothing whatever to do with those practicing polygamy. They are not members of this church.”
One should also not confuse the former Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with the Mormon Church. The fundamentalist and reorganized churches do not fully embrace our core principles and values.
The Mormon name is often used in place of our full name as it is more readily recognized by those not of our faith. Our official name, however, is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We are also known as the Mormons.
Mindy Wright
Spokane Valley