Crossword Genius

German city church in vital part (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

essence

'vital part' is the definition.

'german city church' is the wordplay.
'german city' becomes 'essen' (city in Germany).
'church' becomes 'CE' (abbreviation for Church of England).
'essen'+'ce'='ESSENCE'

'in' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for essence that I've seen before include "Plant extract or concentrate" , "Crux" , "Scent; core" , "The most distinctive element" , "Nice fuel" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph and The Sun.
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