The oval ring was stolen from the home of the Rt Rev John Christie in Helensburgh between the hours of 11pm on 23 December and 4:30am on 24 December, along with a number of family Christmas presents.

It has a large amethyst stone set in gold and bears the Church’s Latin motto, “nec tamen consumebatur”, meaning “yet it was not consumed” – an allusion to the biblical story of the burning bush.

The Church is offering a three figure sum as a reward for anyone who might have information that leads to the ring’s recovery.

Rev Christie said: “While this unique ring has a value, it cannot be sold on. This is not my ring. It belongs to the Church of Scotland. Everyone is hoping that the offer of a reward will encourage anybody who knows where it is to come forward.”

Anybody with information on the whereabouts of the ring should contact the Church of Scotland on 07854 785 051.