Being in German city church (7)

I believe the answer is:

essence

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'being in' is the definition.
'essence' can be an answer for 'being' (I've seen this before). I am not sure about the 'in' bit.

'german city church' is the wordplay.
'german city' becomes 'essen' (city in Germany).
'church' becomes 'CE' (abbreviation for Church of England).
'essen'+'ce'='ESSENCE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for essence that I've seen before include "quality of perfume?" , "Attar" , "Indispensable" , "Scent; core" , "Basic quality" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph and The Sun.

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