The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Rt Rev Albert Bogle has appealed for the return of the Moderator's ring and cross stolen from a bag at Edinburgh Airport on Friday.
Mr Bogle said: “I am deeply disappointed that this bag containing these valuable objects have gone missing. Like the lyrics of the U2 song I feel I've been ‘stuck in a moment and I can't get out of it,’ reliving this incident trying, to think what I should have done differently."
The Moderator, who was returning from a trip to South Africa with the Church's World Mission Council, added: “The jewellery and cross are of significant historical importance and belong to the Church of Scotland. We would be grateful for any help the public can give to help trace their whereabouts.
“We are praying that these articles will be returned in the very near future. These items belong to The Church and the people of Scotland - they are not my own possessions. As you might imagine, I'm very anxious to see these items returned, however this incident has allowed us to point to the greater significance of the Christian message.
“These are symbols, the reality of these symbols is lived out in the daily lives of Christians all around the world. The cross will always be there 'calling to everyone to turn and believe!'
He added: “People ask me what is the significance of the cross? The empty cross is a symbol of the Easter story. When I wear it I am reminded that Jesus rose from the dead. I am challenged to think differently. To look for hope, in the midst of disappointment.
“I am also reminded that the cross of Jesus Christ was placed between a robber and a murdered. It tells me that Christ died for sinners. The cross wherever it is will speak to whoever has it. There is a hidden story that this cross will someday reveal. So I will pray daily for whoever has taken the cross. I pray that they might come to understand its true meaning.”
The ring has been stolen at least once before, but was found some months later. The distinctive gold ring has an amethyst stone bearing a burning bush and St Andrews cross with the motto 'Nec Tamen Consumebatur'. The cross was commissioned for the office of Moderator in 2000 and is on a silver link neck chain.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Inquiries are ongoing but we are appealing for anyone who may have any information regarding this to get in touch.
"These items are of great historical significance to the Church of Scotland. Further to that, they're so unique and distinctive we would ask jewellers to stay vigilant should anyone try to sell them on.
"Anyone with any information should contact Police Scotland on 101, or the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
Post Tags: moderator, albert bogle, moderators ring
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