A new minister dedicated to the visual arts community has been welcomed into his post with a ceremony that showcased a new installation in Renfield St Stephen’s Church of Scotland in Glasgow.

The Rev Peter Gardner marked the start of his pioneering ministry by creating ‘Lightlines’, a kinetic installation made from 153 recycled glass jars suspended from the church ceiling on nylon cords and partially filled with water, making each one a vessel to catch the light.

Peter said his work explores the place where art and spirituality meet.

“I always try to create art that is meaningful and challenging and that makes us question where we are and how we view the mysteries of life,” he added.

“One of the things art can do is help us question and reflect on our spirituality. Often the Christian message is delivered in words, which are definitive. Art is a different language that is visual and engages people through imagination. Art is far more open and gives people the freedom to think in new and very different ways.”

Peter is taking up the new pioneer ministry following 14 years as parish minister at Renfield St Stephen’s. During that time he built many different types of installations with his longtime artistic collaborator, his wife Heidi.

The new role was created following a Church of Scotland commitment to spend £1 million on five pioneer posts to develop new faith communities across Scotland. Other posts will serve students, the farming community and areas of deprivation.

Peter will be working from Renfield St Stephen’s until a base for the new ministry is established. He can be reached by email at pgardner@churchofscotland.org.uk