An upholder of the Christian word (7)
I believe the answer is:
lectern
This could be a double definition.
'an upholder of' is the first definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
'christian word' is the second definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how one could define the other.
'the' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for lectern that I've seen before include "Desk for a standing reader" , "Church reading-desk" , "Support for bible in church" , "It supports work" , "rest of a vicar?" .)