Europeans making scenes, showing passion for church (8)

I believe the answer is:

slovenes

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

'europeans' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I cannot see how they can define each other.

'scenes showing passion for church' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'passion' could be 'love' (synonyms) and 'love' is present in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'making' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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