What was Calvin's view on the relationship between the church and state?

Calvin's view on the relationship between the church and state emphasized the need for the church to operate independently of the state. He believed that while both institutions were important, each had its own distinct roles and responsibilities that should not interfere with the other. Calvin advocated for a system in which the church could govern its own affairs without state interference, rooted in his theological convictions regarding the sovereignty of God and the integrity of the church's mission. This perspective was consistent with his belief in a disciplined and morally upright society guided by the principles of Reformed Christianity, but he insisted that the church could best fulfill its role when free from governmental control. By doing so, he aimed to protect the spiritual authority and mission of the church, allowing it to focus on preaching and serving the community in accordance with its religious convictions.