The idea of an Anglican Covenant was suggested by the Global South to check the drift of some members of the Communion, especially in the Episcopal Church in the United States and the Anglican Church of Canada, as well as some other parts of Europe, such as Germany and the UK, in the wake of a revisionist agenda manifested radically by the recognition of same-sex relationships by the Church, especially the consecration of two same-sex practitioners as bishops in the Episcopal Church in the US.

Unfortunately, the original idea of a covenant to bring back erring members who have embarrassed the Communion and torn apart its fabric was adopted by the Anglican establishment, which fashioned a covenant which in motive, content, and thrust deviates from the original objective of healing and unifying the Communion.

To African Anglicans, the present Covenant is crafted to persuade orthodox Anglicans to commit to fellowship with revisionist groups who have perpetrated aberrations, but who unrepentantly defy various moves to bring them back on course.

The Church of Nigeria is aware of its weaknesses as a body of Christ, and the fact that it is part and parcel of Nigerian society, with all its weaknesses and imperfections. Nevertheless, we do not use this to redefine the ideals expected of society. We believe in the transformative power of the gospel to engender a new society among us.