5. Christians flee Iraq and Gaza.

About 13,000 Christians—or one in two—left Mosul in October. In Gaza, churches where hundreds worshiped until recently are attended by less than a dozen. Historic Christian communities are becoming history.

6. Candidates' religious associations come under scrutiny.

Jeremiah Wright and John Hagee got more airtime than some presidential candidates. Remember when clergy endorsements and church affiliation helped campaigns?

7. Ministries hold their breath as financial crisis threatens the global economy.

A downturn in donations is likely to meet a surge in need domestically and abroad.

8. Muslim and Christian interfaith dialogues get serious.

Evangelicals took part in (and debated about) Yale's "Common Word" meetings, among others. King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia hosted an interfaith conference at the United Nations.

9. Todd Bentley's Florida Outpouring divides charismatic movement.

Charisma's Lee Grady warned of a "charismatic civil war" between those critical of Bentley's often-violent healing ministry and those who saw it as launching a global revival. After more than four months of consecutive meetings, Bentley announced he and his wife were separating and stepped down.

10. Texas authorities raid FLDS ranch.

While Christians were stunned at the stories of child marriage, polygamy, and abuse, some Christian legal experts and others said the case raised long-lasting questions about balancing the need to protect children with religious freedom.