(January 18, 2007)--Southern Methodist University is dismissing objections of a group of US Methodist ministers to the university's efforts to land the George W. Bush presidential library.

The ministers are circulating a petition that says, "As United Methodists, we believe that the linking of his presidency with a university bearing the Methodist name is utterly inappropriate."

Brad Cheves, the university's vice president for external affairs and development, said Thursday that the United Methodist church is diverse in its membership and opinions.

He says the ministers behind the petition reflect only one view and that the university believes "the vast majority of the Methodist membership, university and community support the library."

SMU is the alma mater of first lady Laura Bush.

It emerged as the apparent winner in the library race last month, trumping Baylor University and the University of Dallas in the competition for the facility.

Some SMU faculty members also have complained that the library complex's think tank dedicated to the philosophy of the Bush administration would hurt the school's reputation.

The petition is the latest wrinkle in the sweepstakes for the library.

SMU earlier was locked in a court fight over whether the university had clear title to a condominium complex that school officials have considered as a possible site for the library.

In December, US District Judge Jerry Buchmeyer ruled in SMU’s favor in the case.

Two condo owners, a dentist who moved out and a lawyer who still lives there, contend SMU used unfair tactics to buy out owners at low prices and said they plan to appeal.

Baylor is offering a site on the banks of the Brazos River and officials say they remain “cautiously optimistic” about the university’s bid.

Click Here For SMU Web Site

Click Here For Baylor University Web Site

Click Here For Petition Web Site

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