Crossword Genius

Vital part of German city church (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'

'of' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for essence that I've seen before include "The quality that makes something what it is" , "Perfume or concentrated extract" , "Scent; core" , "Flavour, spirit" , "Perfume; core" .)

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