Former churchman? (5)
I believe the answer is:
prior
I believe this is a double definition.
'former' is the first definition.
(both can mean at earlier time)
'churchman?' is the second definition.
(I've seen this before)
(Other definitions for prior that I've seen before include "Earlier, coming before another in time" , "Previous; deputy abbot" , "Previous - religious leader" , "figure of authority in retreat" , "Existing earlier" .)