Career
In 1969 Gärtner became provost of Gothenburg cathedral and on 24 July 1970 bishop of the Lutheran diocese of Gothenburg. Like his predecessor Bo Giertz, Gärtner was theologically conservative and High Church. He was the writer of a number of books about the ministry of the Church as well as on New Testament subjects.
He was also an episcopal Visitor of Societas Sanctae Birgittae from since 1972, Pro Ecclesia from 1990-1997, Laurentiistiftelsen from since 1997, and Markusstiftelsen from 1998-2009.
