Crossword Genius

Talented following religion, not half trustworthy (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

reliable

'trustworthy' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'talented following religion not half' is the wordplay.
'talented' becomes 'able' (I've seen this before).
'following' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'not half' suggests halving the letters.
'religion' cut in half is 'reli'.
'able' after 'reli' is 'RELIABLE'.

(Other definitions for reliable that I've seen before include "Can be depended upon, trustworthy" , "Dependable, honest" , "worthy of trust" , "Dependable, can be trusted" , "Trustworthy - genuine" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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