Mormon church clarifies stance on caffeine

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Mormons are free to down a Coke or Pepsi.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has clarified its position on caffeinated soft drinks, noting the news media often incorrectly states that its members don't drink caffeine.

On Wednesday, The Salt Lake Tribune reports (http://bit.ly/O7qcBy) the church posted a statement on its website saying it "does not prohibit the use of caffeine."

A day later, the website wording was changed, saying only that "the church revelation spelling out health practices ... does not mention the use of caffeine."

Church spokesman Scott Trotter says the clarification was made to provide context to last week's NBC News hour-long special on Mormonism that stated Mormons don't drink caffeine.

But church leaders say that doesn't mean they view caffeinated drinks as healthy.

Information from: The Salt Lake Tribune, http://www.sltrib.com

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