Crossword Genius

Church leaders greet rare review that's a fair bit touchy (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hierarchy

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'church leaders' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both groups as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'greet rare review that's a fair bit touchy' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
an anagram of 'rare' is 'erar' which is located in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hierarchy that I've seen before include "System of status rankings" , "Governing levels of organisation" , "Status ranking system" , "priesthood" , "System with layers of grades of authority" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times.
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