Crossword Genius

Minister’s previous tour oddly cancelled (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pastor

'minister's' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'previous tour oddly cancelled' is the wordplay.
'previous' becomes 'past' (similar in meaning).
'oddly cancelled' means one should take alternating letters (letters in odd-numbered positions removed).
The alternate letters of 'tour' are 'or'.
'past'+'or'='PASTOR'

(Other definitions for pastor that I've seen before include "Churchman" , "Padre perhaps" , "Member of the clergy" , "Minister; shepherd" , "Old shepherd" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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