Crossword Genius

Give vocal support to the church, always (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cheer

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'give vocal support' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both human attributes as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'the church always' is the wordplay.
'the church' becomes 'ch' (common abbreviation).
'always' becomes 'eer' (poetic way of saying ever).
'ch'+'eer'='CHEER'

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cheer that I've seen before include "provisions for feast" , "Root" , "Encourage - applaud" , "one in three, perhaps" , "Applaud with shouts" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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