Crossword Genius

Heartless church worker suspended (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

abeyant

'suspended' is the definition.
('abeyant' can be a synonym of 'suspended')

'heartless church worker' is the wordplay.
'heartless' suggests removing the centre.
'church' becomes 'abbey' (abbey is a kind of church).
'worker' becomes 'ant' (worker is a type of ant).
'abbey' with its centre taken out is 'abey'.
'abey'+'ant'='ABEYANT'

(Other definitions for abeyant that I've seen before include "In temporary suspension" , "Adjourned" , "in suspense" , "temporarily suspended" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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