Crossword Genius

Herb's independent about church (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

basilica

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'church' is the definition.
(basilica is a kind of church)

'herb's independent' is the wordplay.
'herb' becomes 'basil' (basil is a kind of herb).
'independent' becomes 'ica' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'basil'+'ica'='BASILICA'

'about' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for basilica that I've seen before include "Roman-style church" , "Bails CIA out of the large church" , "Church edifice" , "A large Christian church with two rows of columns (8)" , "Roman Catholic cathedral with special privileges" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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