The Supreme Court announced today that justices are staying out of the legal dispute over the Mt. Soledad Cross in La Jolla, refusing to hear an appeal of the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court ruling which deemed the cross a public endorsement of religion.

But, Judge Samuel Alito did give those in support of keeping the cross some hope.

"Because no final judgment has been rendered and it remains unclear precisely what action the Federal Government will be required to take," read Alito's statement, leaving it open to return to the Supreme Court after the district court makes their ruling final.

Using an earlier court case, Judge Alito, determined that the case was "not yet ripe for review by this court."

Kelly Shackleford, co-counsel for the Mt. Soledad Memorial Association, says Alito's statement leaves the door open to continue their fight to keep the cross atop Mt. Soledad.

"We are hopeful in light of Justice Alito's statement and remain committed to defending this memorial through the many legal battles yet to come."