I'm trying to figure out how anyone accepts the idea that the term Christian came by God's direct ordination. The only angle I can see is the attempt to argue apostolic succession. Otherwise the argument seems incredibly weak.
I cannot think of a denomination, a church body, that calls itself by that word, however. It appears to be a description of a general grouping of churches based upon a certain doctrinal slant, but not what the OP was talking about.
So my question, Tigger, is whether the church itself -- or members as a matter of routine -- call themselves Mormons instead of LDS or something else. I'm thinking that this one could be a close call as far as our mythical list of churches is concerned. As Josiah noted, the Utah Church will use the word Mormon in advertisements, etc. but I think that's a concession made so that non-Mormons whom they are trying to reach will recognize what organization is being talked about.
One word outside of context can mean whatever someone wants it to mean. Context is important and in this context I do not see your copied and pasted opinion as being valid.
It is not much of a pejorative, apparently, considering that the word priest is used for the officiants in the Church of England (the Anglican church) in all editions of the Book of Common Prayer, for example 1549, 1559, 1662 and on down to the ones used today.
I think I've cashed all possibilities of names that originated as offensive slurs. I could probably say " Puritan," but we know them as Congregationalists today. 