There’s no denying that 2018 was rough for advocates of church-state separation. But there were reasons to celebrate as well. Here’s a look at the year that was – the top 10 church-state stories from 2018 and how they might affect 2019.

The Pennsylvania House has a longstanding practice of opening its sessions with invocations, which are often delivered by guests from the community. In 2014, several nontheists in the state began making requests to take part in that practice. After they were turned down, they asked Americans United for help.

“Government’s first duty is to treat all citizens equally, regardless of what they may believe or not believe about religion,” said Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United. “Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives failed in that task, and we’re glad the court has set them straight.”