Crossword Genius

Rare delay unsettled licensed church official (3,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lay reader

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'licensed church official' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'rare delay unsettled' is the wordplay.
'unsettled' indicates anagramming the letters.
'rare'+'delay'='raredelay'
'raredelay' with letters rearranged gives 'LAY READER'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for lay reader that I've seen before include "Unordained preacher" , "volunteer for service?" , "licensee in church" , "who may give lessons" , "Minister's assistant" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app