For centuries, the Tech Valley region has been a welcoming place to various religions. Shakers were practicing in Albany and Columbia County for many years beginning in the late 1700s, and the Amish are still active in Montgomery County. Today, nearly 50 different faiths are represented in the region.
Most mainstream faiths – such as Baptist, Catholic, Episcopal, Hinduism, Judaism, Lutheran, Methodist, Muslim and Presbyterian – are actively practiced by their followers. Other traditionally ethnic faiths also have a presence in Tech Valley, including Armenian Apostolic, Bulgarian Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, Syrian Orthodox and Ukranian Orthodox.
Some places of worship have thousands of congregants while other, perhaps just a handful.
Churches and other places of worship may also support their own schools, charitable organizations and community service projects.