However, Oulton said in a May 2 email to the diocese of Ontario that "a situation has arisen following the Electoral Synod" and an allegation had been received regarding Cliff.

"This allegation has been received by our Metropolitan Anne Germond and she has informed the bishops of the ecclesiastical province of its existence. The proper authorities have been informed," Oulton wrote.

Annual release of denominational statistics comes one week after PC(USA) Stated Clerk the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II announced that he will step down from the post in June, more than a year before his term in office was set to conclude. Nelson has served as the denomination's top official between biannual General Assemblies for the past seven years.

"We are talking about people from the West, who have come to erode our values and identity. We commend those who went to Kigali and still talked against gay activities. We pray for them to continue being spiritually sensitive and know what they are supposed to do for the church to remain firm and focused," he said.

"At the ACC-18 meeting -- which was attended by primates, bishops, clergy and laity from 39 of the 42 Anglican provinces -- there was widespread support for working together patiently and constructively to review the Instruments of Communion, so that our differences and disagreements can be held together in unity and fellowship.