The movement emphasized the Apostolic Succession and Anglican Covenantal Theology. It is considered a covenantal act, signifying entrance into the New Covenant of Christ. Marriage here is symbolic of the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. God's covenantal relationship with his creation is not made automatically or out of necessity. The "ethos" of United Church of Christ organization is considered "covenantal". Sanders called this pattern of religion "covenantal nomism".