Nicknames are a major victory for Satan, says president of the Mormon church

The president of the Mormon church has warned that nicknames are “a major victory for Satan” as he urged members and the media to use the faith’s full name.

Addressing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ twice-yearly conference in Salt Lake City, Russell M. Nelson said the church’s name “is not negotiable”.

Mr Nelson rejected what he calls “worldly arguments” including the benefits of internet “search engine optimisation” with the word “Mormon”.

If people use Mormon to describe the church or its members, Mr Nelson urged adherents to “be courteous and patient” in their efforts to correct them.

It comes after the church announced on Friday that the famed Mormon Tabernacle Choir will be called the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.

It is the first big change since Mr Nelson announced guidelines in August requesting that people stop using previously accepted shorthand names.