Those unwilling to join the covenant could choose to become "churches in association" which were still bound by historic links but did not share the same constitutional structures, he suggested.

The relationship between the two types of province would be not unlike that between the Church of England and the Methodist Church, he said.

The proposal comes after the US Episcopal Church, known for its liberal stance, failed to toe the conservative line on homosexuality last week as the majority of the Anglican Communion demanded.

The Anglican Communion has been debating the way forward since the consecration in 2003 of a gay man, Gene Robinson, as Bishop of New Hampshire in the US, sparking outrage among conservatives within the Church, particularly in Africa.

There have also been disagreements over church blessings for same sex couples.

Under the suggestions put forward by Dr Williams, the associated churches would have no direct part in the decision making of the constituent churches.

The associated churches "might well" be observers whose views were sought or whose expertise was shared from time to time, and with whom "significant areas of co-operation might be possible", he said.

In a reflection to all bishops, clergy and Anglican faithful worldwide, Dr Williams said: "There is no way in which the Anglican Communion can remain unchanged by what is happening at the moment."

His proposals come in advance of a meeting of the Anglican primates early next year to discuss the best way forward.

END