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"In a free and democratic society such as the United States, the California Zoroastrian Center (CZC) has chosen to embrace the existing guaranteed civil liberties and political freedom and advance the cause of Zoroastrianism without the bondage of any ‘excess baggage’ left over from our respective countries of origin that tends to hamper progress,” commented Dr Ali Makki who was elected president of the CZC board of directors (BOD) in 2016.
He was responding to Parsiana’s queries regarding the decision taken by the preceding BOD on March 24, 2016 to accept "any individual who wants to choose or reclaim the Zoroastrian religion and become a member of the CZC.” Convinced that "there is no documented religious precept in the Zoroastrian faith and teachings that states one has to be born into the religion to be considered a Zoroastrian,” and guided by "the universal teachings of our Prophet,” CZC resolved that "any interested person who comes forth and is willing to learn and embrace a good life based on Zarathushtrian principles for promoting a progressive world of peace and prosperity for all may choose to declare Zoroastrianism as his or  her belief system.”

 

 

 

 

 

The 20th BOD, at its meeting on August 17, has revised guidelines which interested candidates are expected to observe, writes Makki. The candidate has to put in a written request to the BOD of CZC declaring his or her intent. On reviewing the request the BOD shall refer the candidate to a designated mobed or Zoroastrian clergy/teacher approved by the BOD for guidance and mentorship who will provide the individual with the fundamental teachings of the Zoroastrian religion and Gathic principles by recommending appropriate books and learning materials in print or in electronic format. Thereafter the individual has to successfully demonstrate adequate knowledge and  appreciation of the Gathas and other parts of the Avesta, of Zoroastrian teachings and history, of the common prayers and manthras, and an understanding of the meaning and significance of the initiation ceremony and other Zoroastrian customs. On earning the designated mobed’s approval, the candidate qualifies to undergo the sedreh pooshi initiation. After receiving an initiation certificate, the candidate can apply to CZC for membership six months later.
When asked how many individuals have evinced an interest in becoming Zoroastrians, Makki stated, "Over the years there have been enquiries from a variety of individuals… locally and from across the globe…But CZC has not kept any statistics on the numbers or identities of these individuals.”
Clarifies Behram Deboo of CZC, "We do not proselytize but the aspirants seek us out. Recently I am in touch with five people who desire to join our Zarathushtra’s daena.” He forwarded a correspondence with one of them who is a web designer and event coordinator and wrote, "As to the Gathas, I have read the translations by (Ali) Jafarey and (Dinshah) Irani and I own a physical copy of Piloo Nanavutty’s translation.”
The mission statement of CZC as written by Deboo and carried on their website declares, "The CZC…shall endeavor to uphold equal rights of all without intimidation or coercion, respect free minds and further the cause of building a vibrant community with team work and collaboration. The body, in accordance with the democratic society in which it exists, shall support the freedom of speech, free will and make available the teaching of religion to all who seek…” The history and activities of CZC also feature on its website.
The association has its genesis in 1979 when six Iranian Zoroastrian ladies sought to promote their religion and culture in America. They did not succeed as a subsidiary committee of the Zoroastrian Association of California and eventually attached themselves to the Ancient Iran Cultural Society. In May 1980 Arbab Rustam Guiv helped the group, by then registered as the California Zoroastrian Center, to be lodged in the premises he purchased in Anaheim. With rapidly growing activities, the Rustam Guiv Foundation provided the funds for a piece of land with other philanthropists contributing towards the construction of the 8,000 sq ft Rustam Guiv Dar-e Mehr thereon which was inaugurated in March 1987. The following year a two-storey annex was completed as a youth wing. The prayer room with a full-time priest and the library are open seven days a week. A founder member of the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America, besides celebrating religious and national festivals, the Center holds religious, cultural and social activities in English and Farsi and publishes books and bulletins on Zoroastrianism.
An offshoot of the CZC is the Council on Persian Culture that recognizes the need for "a progressive, proactive and involved cultural entity… to preserve Persian culture, customs, traditions and to educate people in order to avoid any misinformation or misunderstanding” as also "to better understand world cultures and their interactions in order to facilitate global peace and harmony.”