US:Methodist ministers from across the United States have joined faculty staff at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in calling on the Texas college to drop its bid to host the George W Bush presidential library.
The ministers, who are looking for support among America's 11 million Methodists say they object to the war in Iraq, the use of torture on prisoners and the death penalty, among other issues.
"As United Methodists, we believe that the linking of his presidency with a university bearing the Methodist name is utterly inappropriate," they say in an online petition. Mr Bush has not decided where to locate the $500 million (€386 million) library after he leaves office but is leaning towards SMU.
"I understand there are some who have reservations. And my advice to them is, understand that a library and institution would enhance education . . . these universities I think understand that and are excited about the prospects, and so am I," he said.
At least 68 academics at SMU disagree and some are concerned over a proposal to establish a conservative think-tank linked to the presidential library.
The critics say that, whereas ethical academics are expected to conduct their research first and draw their conclusions second, the process is often reversed at free-standing think-tanks.
"In general, research from think-tanks is ideologically driven in accordance with the interests of its wealthy benefactors, in this case 'mega' donor Bush loyalists," wrote Anthony Weaver, a Methodist minister who opposes the library plan.