“A welcome change”

The action taken by the managing committee of the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe (ZTFE) to elect a member born of a Zoroastrian mother and non-Zoroastrian father and initiated by the navjote ceremony is commendable ("A welcome change,” Editorial Viewpoint, Parsiana, May 7, 2013). It is heartening to note that a few Parsi Zoroastrian anjumans like Delhi and Nilgiris follow this system.
During my tenure as vice-president, when the late Shiavax D. Nargolwala was president of the Delhi Parsi Anjuman (DPA), the then board of trustees had observed that with the growing trend of mixed marriages in our community worldwide, it was essential to keep such members within the community’s fold. Thus, in 1978, with the unanimous consent and approval of members of the DPA, its rules and regulations were amended. Accordingly, non-Parsi spouses of Parsi members are also enrolled as members of the DPA with all benefits of membership except that they are not entitled to enter the Anjuman’s fire temple, be buried in its cemetery (aramgah) or stand for election for the post of trustee. However, they have voting rights.
Further, the children of inter-faith couples (Parsis married to non-Parsis) are allowed entry to the fire temple provided they have been initiated into the Zoroastrian faith.
In the existing scenario, it is worth appreciating the crucial and momentous decision of the ZTFE and to welcome the editorial viewpoint "A welcome change.”