A Church of Ireland rector in Killarney, Co Kerry, yesterday appealed for the return of the church Bible.
The large leather-bound King James Bible was stolen last week from the lectern at St Mary's Church of Ireland in Killarney.
It is church practice to keep the Bible open on the lectern to provide for those who want to read a verse of scripture when they visit the town church, said the Rev Stan Evans.
"Whoever has taken it we hope will return it to its rightful place - and we would be delighted to let them have a new Bible for their own personal use, as their need is obviously very real," Rev Evans said.
He has ruled out locking the church, which was built in the 1870s.
"Our beautiful church is accessed by thousands of visitors who greatly value being able to spend time in prayer and peaceful reflection here in the heart of our town," he said.
The ornate church is renowned for its acoustics and hosts regular musical events.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Killarney Garda station at 064-31222.