The name "Messenger and Advocate," or variations thereof, has been used many times since the Kirtland and Rigdonite newspapers. In 1977, a short-lived magazine, entitled "The New Messenger and Advocate", was published. It was printed by the Guild of Mormon Writers as a means of disseminating their fiction, non-fiction, and poetical writings. The preliminary issue was released in June 1977. Discussions soon began of joining "The New Messenger and Advocate" with "Sunstone Magazine". The merger became official with the release of the November/December 1977 issue of "Sunstone Magazine".