A Pew Forum poll stirs comment with its finding that a majority of evangelicals believe many religions can lead to eternal life. Some question the wording of the question. An earlier poll found most Americans have changed denominations at some time and that the fastest growing "faith group" is the non-affiliated.

U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops unanimously warns the new administration against aggressive pro-choice policies after a debate on how strident to be, following the failure of voter referendums restricting abortions in Colorado and South Dakota.

Religious groups step up calls for environmental care, with an independent group of Southern Baptists challenging the national body to do more for the environment.

United Methodists again reject the ordination of homosexuals and gay marriage; Third World delegates help provide the margin. Meanwhile, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. again votes to stop requiring clergy to live either in fidelity within traditional marriage or in chastity in singleness; however, a majority of Presbyteries have twice before thwarted the change.

Religious groups of many types continue to press for an end to the Darfur tragedy, and support relief efforts in many other Third World areas ravaged by war and natural disasters, despite difficulties in doing so, especially in Myanmar.

Two worshippers are killed and six injured in shootings at a service of Tennessee Valley Unitarian-Universalist Church in Knoxville by an unemployed truck driver who said he was upset with liberals and gays. Area churches and U-U congregations nationwide offer support to the congregation. Many churches had looked at security measures after two church shootings in Colorado last December.

The issue of immigration reform continues to involve people of faith on both sides of the issue, but Congressional action is basically tabled during the election year.

Major U.S. Baptist bodies—except the Southern Baptists—forge the New Baptist Covenant to promote cooperation on social ministries, at a meeting in Atlanta largely inspired by Jimmy Carter. Speakers include Bill Clinton, Al Gore and John Grisham.

Investigation into finances of six televangelists by Sen. Charles Grassley's committee proceeds slowly, with two of the six resisting requests for information.

The controversial Florida Outpouring Pentecostal revival concludes after drawing many thousands a week for four months to Lakeland, Fla., and producing many claims of healing. The leader, Canadian evangelist Todd Bentley, later announces he would refrain from public ministry for a time due to what he termed an unhealthy relationship with a female staffer.

The movie "Fireproof," produced by pastors at a Georgia Baptist church, enjoys sales of more than $30 million, and the book related to the movie, "The Love Dare," moves to the top of the best-seller list in its category. Kirk Cameron starred with amateurs in the story of a fireman whose marriage was in peril; many viewers testify their marriage was saved.

Support by evangelical and Jewish voters helps Conservative Stephen Harper win re-election as Canadian prime minister; his party picks up 16 seats in Parliament, though it does not reach a majority.

The Roman Catholic Church begins a Pauline year in honor of the reputed 2000th anniversary of the apostle's birth. Orthodox and Anglican leaders attend the opening ceremony in Rome.

Newsmaker of the Year

Barack Obama, who consciously sought the support of the faith community on his way to winning election as president.

Obama received more than 60 percent of the votes, surpassing votes for Jeremiah Wright, Pope Benedict XVI, Rick Warren, Rowan Williams, Robert Duncan, and Stephen and Alex Kendrick.

Religion Newswriters was founded in 1949 and is the world's only association dedicated to helping journalists improve coverage of religion. Members began selecting the Top 10 religion stories nearly 30 years ago.