One would think the opening of a new fire temple would be a cause for public celebration. In the United States of America there is much rejoicing when a new Zoroastrian dar-e-meher is inaugurated. The structure symbolizes not only the Parsi and Zoroastrian presence in the town/city/province/state/country but also the perseverance, grit and enterprise of the local community. A religious institution also stands testimony to the community’s commitment to preserving their religious identity, be it in a Hindu majority India or a Christian majority America.
Democracies permit and encourage religious diversity. The ability to practice one’s beliefs, religious or otherwise,......