Bonding both bodies

There has been much brouhaha about the formation of World Al­liance of Parsi Irani Zarthoshtis (WAPIZ) on May 28, 2005 and the proposed formation of the world body [the International Zoroast­rian Organization (IZO)] but also a great deal of misunderstand­ing.

We should interpret the existence of WAPIZ and of the World Zoroastrian Organisation (WZO), or the proposed IZO, as comple­mentary. The WAPIZ position is that if race is ignored, the religion would perish. The WZO, etc, position is that unless the religion spreads, multiplies, whatever, it will perish.

Both positions carry merit. Why, then, should we not tolerate, without needless rancor and outcry, the formation of either WAPIZ or the proposed world body? Clearly, both are keenly interested in preserving the religion. What, if their paths differ? Let each organization, in its own distinctive way, serve the religion, and let both succeed. Surely, there’s enough room, and plenty to do, for both of them.

WAPIZ believes that if the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) joins IZO, the numerous trust funds and charities it controls, are likely to be "marauded.” Surely, it is not beyond ingenuity to find ways and means that would assuredly prevent this. Why, then, should the proponents of IZO not sit together with WAPIZ, and find a mutually acceptable solution to this problem so that WAPIZ could then be induced to remove its objections to the BPP joining both organizations? If it does so, it can better mediate between the two for the real (not nominal) growth of Zoroastrianism across the globe. At least it could try to do so.

If, finally, the proposed IZO wishes to serve, protect and propagate the interests of all the brethren under its umbrel­la, then surely it is resourceful enough, potentially, to gener­ate its own funds, just as the Parsi Irani community has for its own race all these years through its numerous charitable trusts.

Above all, let us avoid a schism by acting sensibly and honorably in the interests of our revered religion.

Dr ASPY P. RANA