WASHINGTON--Five of the 63 articles in Iraq's interim constitution contain statements of religious freedom. According to Baptist Press the document was signed after Shiite representatives agreed to put aside protests.

"We've decided to sign the constitution and resolve the problems in it later," a representative of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq told the New York Times.

While the constitution designates Islam as the "the official religion of the State," non-Muslim Iraqis, including emerging evangelical congregations, are hopeful for religious freedom.

The preamble states: "The people of Iraq, striving to reclaim their freedom, which was usurped by the previous tyrannical regime, rejecting violence and coercion in all their forms, and particularly when used as instruments of governance, have determined that they shall hereafter remain a free people governed under the rule of law."

Foremost among the articles addressing religion is Article 7, part A, which concludes with a reference to religious freedom for all Iraqis.

The article declares that "Islam is the official religion of the State and is to be considered a source of legislation."

Another article, under fundamental rights, notes: "All Iraqis are equal in their rights without regard to gender, sect, opinion, belief, nationality, religion, or origin, and they are equal before the law."

Article 13 gives Iraqis freedom of religious belief and practice and prohibits coercion in such matters.

President Bush lauded the efforts to build a "stable, peaceful and successful democracy," during his radio address.

The president said the interim constitution "will result in protecting the rights of all Iraqis and will move the country toward a democratic future."

"A year ago, Iraq's only law was the whim of one brutal man," Bush said. "When the new law takes effect, Iraqis will, for the first time in decades, live under the clear protections of a written bill of rights."

"Under this law, all Iraqis will be treated equally. No religious or ethnic groups will be favored, and none will suffer discrimination at the hands of the state."

"The law will protect the rights of free speech and peaceful assembly, the right to organize political parties, the right to vote in fair elections, and the right to worship according to one's own conscience."