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But the suggestion of membership levels is “a matter for concern” for Reverend Richard Leggett, professor of liturgical studies at the Vancouver School of Theology.

If forced to choose, Dr. Leggett said he would not sacrifice Canadian beliefs to be part of a global church.

“He [Archbishop Williams] seems to be weighing in on the side of more conservative voices for the sake of maintaining some sort of visible unity,” Dr. Leggett said.

“I am an Anglican who would say I am not prepared to sacrifice the integrity of gay and lesbian Christians for the sake of organizational unity. We have historically dealt with serious issues without breaking the communion. The church holds differing views on abortion, contraception, divorce and remarriage, ministry of women.”

The Bishop of Edmonton, Victoria Matthews, said a covenant could set limits on individual provinces and drive home the fact any decision has consequences for the church as a whole.

“It really says that the member churches need to take very seriously the decisions they’ve been making because there will be a cost,” she said.

“Up until now, that hasn’t been the case. I think they’ve been taking their decisions individually, as opposed to understanding they need to consult.”