Crossword Genius

Part of church service proceeding slowly (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gradual

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'part' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I can't see?

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

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(Other definitions for gradual that I've seen before include "Little by little, not too fast" , "Progressive" , "Progressing slowly" , "Gentle; slow" , "mass response" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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