Why do church and cathedral lecterns take the shape of an eagle? | Notes and Queries

Why do church and cathedral lecterns take the shape of an eagle?

WA Widden, Harpenden, Herts

• I asked this question of my local vicar years ago. It is to represent the Word of God flying forth to the listener. It may even relate to a verse in the Bible but I don't remember. I wasn't listening too well.

  Andy Fielding, Uxbridge

• The eagle is the symbol of St John the Evangelist - and the spread wings are a good shape for a lectern.

  Keith Mills, York