Christian republic
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A Christian Republic is most broadly defined as a republic with a state religion of Christianity. Although in general the term means a Republic of a Christian orientation. That orientation usually means that the state-religion effects the laws and the political parties are Christian oriented. Christian Republics were perhaps most significant from the Renaissance to Early modern Europe.
Republics of a Christian nature were discussed by several reformist Christians in the Renaissance. An early example of an attempt at a Christian Republic came in Florence under Girolamo Savonarola. After overthrowing the Medici he intended to create a "Christian and religious Republic" which made sodomy a death penalty offense and proclaimed a Bonfire of the Vanities. In the English speaking world the classic example of a Christian Republic might be England during the Commonwealth of England period. This government ended the Monarchy and created a Republic. Although religious tolerance was extended to some degree the Rump Parliament promoted "godliness" and passed morality laws like the "Adultery Act of May 1650."
Other historical places that might be deemed Christian Republics are the Novgorod Republic(as archbishops were the executives), the Dutch Republic, and the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Although the last was a colony it shared some Christian Republican ideals influenced by its Puritan origin.
A Christian Republic generally does not mean a Republic that merely has a state religion which happens to be Christian, such as Iceland or Greece. In these cases the laws or government of the Republic is not bound or even influenced by Christian doctrines or rules.
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