The new minister of a Western Isles congregation torn apart by the ongoing gay clergy row has vowed to put the church “back at the heart of our community”.
The Rev Wayne Pearce said he was “thankful” that he had been called to lead Stornoway High Church on Lewis by God.
The congregation, which is around 90 people strong, had been without an official leader since the retirement of the Rev Willie Black in 2011.
It was not in a position to replace him as the row over whether congregations should be able to appoint a minister in a same-sex relationship caused disharmony among members.
The situation came to a head when about 250 members of the congregation left the Kirk and joined the Free Church of Scotland last year.
Mr Pearce joined Stornoway High from his post as Associated Presbyterian Churches minister for Skye and Harris.
He said: “I am so thankful to the Lord for calling me to the High Church and to the congregation and wider Church of Scotland for their warmth of welcome, prayerful good wishes, enthusiasm and support.
“By the ministry of word and sacrament it is our goal to educate, edify and encourage our church family at the High that we might bring the knowledge of Jesus and his glorious gospel to those outside the church by our words and works.
“It is our great desire to put the church back at the heart of our community.”
Mr Pearce was inducted into his post by the Rev Tommy Macneil, moderator of Lewis Presbytery.
The church service on Friday evening was followed by a social event at Stornoway Town Hall which featured presentations, speeches and music.
In line with tradition, Mr Pearce was “preached into” his new pulpit by moderator-designate of the Kirk’s General Assembly the Rev Dr Angus Morrison on Sunday.
The gay clergy row was triggered by the appointment of the Rev Scott Rennie to Queen’s Cross Church in Aberdeen in 2009.
General Assembly commissioners will decide in May if congregations should be given the freedom to appoint a person in a same-sex relationship as their minister.