Mormon is a term used to describe the adherents, practitioners, followers or constituents of Mormonism. The term most often refers to a member of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), which is commonly called the Mormon Church. The LDS Church believes that "Mormon" should properly be applied only to its members. However, the term is often used more broadly to describe any individual or group that believes in the Book of Mormon, including other Latter Day Saint groups. According to the Book of Mormon, Mormon is the name of the prophet who compiled the book of scripture known as the Book of Mormon.
Mormon in 1632[]
A Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was established in Grantville and was inadvertently brought along into 17th century Europe after the Ring of Fire.[1] Only a small number of LDS adherents were in Grantville when the Ring of Fire fell. While the Mormons did acknowledge that the events in the Book of Mormon were unlikely to happen in this new timeline, they unanimously agreed that they were inspired by God, and that they were as relevant to this timeline as to the old one. The Elders decided to spread their faith, and printed pamphlets of the Book of Mormon were distributed beginning in April 1633. Mormon Willard Thornton elected himself as a missionary to deliver the faith in Franconia.
Initially, Mormonism slowly became popular with the German people. Up-timers such as N.U.S. administrator Wesley Jenkins realized that the religion was a profound affront to the contemporary Christians and kept a watch on Thornton for his safety. Between June and July, several people expressed interest in the LDS. In August, hostility toward the Mormon religion began when a mob in Bamberg attacked Thornton while he was publicly giving out written works on the LDS. Willard was arrested for heresy by the local church authorities, and was punished with a public flogging, which was interrupted by supporters of the Ram movement.
By 1636, there is a following of Mormons within France