Glossary of Terms
This glossary defines words used by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that might not be familiar to those who are not members.
Manifesto of 1890
An official declaration by Church President Wilford Woodruff that prohibited the “contracting of any marriage forbidden by the law of the land.” The Manifesto was specifically designed to end plural marriage.
Melchizedek Priesthood
The higher of the two priesthood orders or levels in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; it includes the commonly held offices of elder and high priest and is conferred upon worthy male members ages 18 and over. The name comes from Melchizedek, in the Old Testament.
Millennium
The period of peace when Christ will reign personally upon the earth over God’s perfected kingdom.
Mission
A period of volunteer service, usually ranging from six to 24 months, when Church members devote themselves part-time or full-time to proselytizing, humanitarian assistance or other service.
Missionary Training Center (MTC)
One of 17 facilities worldwide where missionaries are trained before departure to assigned missions. Such training includes language learning and familiarization with mission procedures and teaching. Training lasts from three weeks to three months, depending on language needs.
Mormon
A fourth-century prophet in the Americas who abridged the historical and religious records of his people onto metal plates. His record was translated by Joseph Smith and first published in the United States during the early 1800s as the Book of Mormon. The name “Mormon” has become an unofficial but inoffensive nickname for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Mormon Tabernacle Choir
One of the world’s premiere choirs, tracing its beginnings to the choir established by Brigham Young, 10 days after the arrival of the pioneers in Salt Lake City. The Grammy-winning choir has performed worldwide, and it broadcasts inspirational performances from Salt Lake City every Sunday through Music and the Spoken Word, radio’s longest-running program
Moroni
An ancient prophet who appeared to Joseph Smith as a resurrected being to reveal the Book of Mormon. Representative statues of Moroni sit atop many Latter-day Saint temples to symbolize the preaching of the restored gospel.