RELIGION

Religion

The Community

The 40-plus Cary churches represent most major Protestant denominations and a strong, vibrant Catholic community. And in Cary and the greater Triangle region, other religions flourish. Beth Shalom Synagogue in Cary is joined by Beth Meyer (conservative) and Temple Beth Or (reform) in Raleigh. Next door to Cary in Morrisville is a Hindu temple, which serves a congregation from throughout the state. Raleigh is home to such varied religions as Orthodox, Mennonite, and Moravian.

Community Involvement

The religous community in Cary adds a great deal of quality of life here, from the excellent preschool programs many of them offer to active youth and music programs to the volunteer help organizations and outreach projects they run. One effort of the collective religious community in Cary is Area Churches in Action, which addresses social needs in the community. It also operates the Dorcas Shop, which distributes donated clothing, household and supplies to those in need. Cost is determined by the ability to pay. Another organization, the Fellowship Community, helps meet emergency needs in the community and distributes Christmas baskets of clothing and food. The church community in general has also given strong support to Cary Habitat for Humanity, which has built four homes and plans three more for downtown. The volunteer, Christian organization builds homes and sells them at no interest to low-income families, who help with construction. Cary's churches add a strong moral foundation to the way of life here, and they offer reminders that even as Cary continues with its astounding growth, some things never change