After you have determined what exactly has been ordered to close, you need to understand what the reasons for the closure are. In all honesty, this is easier said than done at times. Sometimes, the reasons that are given for the closure of a parish or church are transparent, and are grounded in reality, though there may be some exaggeration or shortsightedness contained within them. At other times, sadly, the reasons that are publicly given for the closure of a parish and/or a church are not reasons that are canonically valid causes for the closing. To determine whether the reasons you have been given for the closure of your parish or church are valid, you need to first understand another principle of canon law, that of “just” verses “grave” causation.