A tissue connector assembly having a flexible member and a surgical fastener such as a surgical clip releaseably coupled to the flexible member. A needle may be secured to one end portion of the flexible member with the surgical clip coupled to the other end portion of the flexible member. A locking device may be used to releaseably couple the flexible member to the surgical clip. The tissue connector assembly may have one or more piercing members, each releaseably coupled to the surgical fastener. A flexible member such as a suture may be used to couple one or both piercing members to respective ends of the fastener.