THE next Moderator of the Church of Scotland had a close encounter with the law when she went to a jewellers to size a replica of her stolen ceremonial ring.

Staff at the jewellers spotted Reverend Lorna Hood's Moderator's ring – which went missing at Edinburgh Airport last month – and called police.

In the hope of a successful appeal for the return of the gold amethyst ring, the Church did not disclose that it had a double of it.

After the Minister went with an aide to have a duplicate adjusted to fit her finger, staff in the jewellery workshop recognised the distinctive ring and alerted the police.

The ring, with violet coloured stone, is engraved with the "burning bush" symbol.

Shortly after the Moderator Designate had left the shop, the head office of the Church of Scotland in George Street, Edinburgh, took a call from the police indicating the missing ring had been brought to a jeweller's shop.

Mrs Hood laughed: "I thought my official photos as Moderator might end up on Crimewatch or end up with a serial number in front of it.

"I was thinking how it must seem and conclusions that might be drawn. Two suspicious ladies walk into a shop. New Moderator is international jewel thief."

Mrs Hood will be wearing the duplicate ring when the 2013 General Assembly opens this Saturday.

The Church is still hoping for the return of the original ring and a historic cross, worn by the Moderator on official duties, that went missing in early April. A four-figure reward is offered.

Outgoing Moderator, the Right Reverend Albert Bogle, said: "I feel disappointed that the moderatorial ring and cross are no longer in my possession to pass to Lorna, our moderator designate.

"I have come to think of the cross not so much as having been stolen as having been taken on a journey by someone who has yet to encounter its power and significance. When they do, that in itself will be another story."

l Every Church of Scotland congregation in the country is being asked to take part in a national day of prayer to coincide with the Kirk's debate on gay clergy.

Worshippers in Stornoway have issued the call for Monday, the day of the debate at the General Assembly.

The assembly will consider whether the church should ordain ministers who are in same-sex relationships.