Crossword Genius

Don't leave religious group for what looks like just another branch (5,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stick insect

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

'don't leave religious group for what looks like' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'another branch' is the wordplay.
'another' becomes 'stickin' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'branch' becomes 'sect' (I've seen this in another clue).
'stickin'+'sect'='STICK-INSECT'

'just' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for stick insect that I've seen before include "Twiggy type" , "It resembles a twig" , "One well-camouflaged" , "creature hard to spot in tree" , "Its body has virtually no substance" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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