Crossword Genius

What church often has to hope (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

aspire

'hope' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for aspire that I've seen before include "Direct one's hopes and ambitions" , "Have lofty aims" , "Seek (to do something)" , "rise to a great height" , "Hope (to achieve)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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