An Independent Centre for Theological Research
Founded in 1953, MIT is devoted to the rigorous, non-confessional study of the world's great theological traditions.
The Mandarin Institute of Theology is an independent academic research institution — not a seminary, not a church college, and not affiliated with any religious denomination. We approach theology as a scholarly discipline with the same intellectual rigour applied to philosophy, history, or comparative literature. MIT does not offer undergraduate programmes; all our work is at the graduate and postdoctoral level.
Mission
To advance human understanding through rigorous, non-confessional academic study of the world's great theological traditions.
Vision
A world where deep understanding across religious boundaries enriches all fields of human knowledge and fosters mutual respect.
Values
Academic rigour, intellectual independence, interfaith dialogue, and open inquiry — no question is off limits.
MIT founded as an independent theological research centre, with initial focus on Catholic and Buddhist studies.
Establishment of the Taoist Studies programme, expanding the institute's scope to three major traditions.
Launch of the Journal of Comparative Theology, now one of the leading peer-reviewed journals in the field.
Creation of the Comparative Theology department, formalising cross-traditional research as a core discipline.
Opening of the Digital Humanities Laboratory, pioneering computational approaches to theological texts.
MIT celebrates 70+ years of independent theological scholarship with over 1,200 published works.