Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia County December 15, 2015, No. 00181 (North American Knanaya Diocese Inc. v. Chirayl)

MCINERNEY, J.,

Defendants' preliminary objections require this court to determine whether it lacks subject matter jurisdiction pursuant to the rule of deference, a legal rule which compels legal tribunals to yield to the decisions of the highest authorities of any church in matters of internal discipline, faith, and ecclesiastical rule.