Across

 6 Saint present sat awkwardly outside (7)

 7 'Search me, O God, and know my _____' (Ps. 139:23, AV) (5)

 9 Third man embraced by Vanessa Bell (4)

10 This writer upset my parson, as far as one can recall (6,4)

11 Despatches about regenerated pit - they may cheer the clergy! (8)

13,20 Across, 17 Down 'Company I libelled - Aunty very upset', wrote 2 Down (6,1,7,3,5)

15 Evangelist takes maiden to vessel of salvation (4)

17 Saul's commander terribly near, capturing Bethlehem initially (5)

18 Simpson? Hindrance to throne primarily (4)

19 Married girl and boy - I'll come between them (6)

20 See 13 Across

23 Delivery OK - one was sold for food (10)

26 Japanese container that could be made of iron (4)

27 Message found in cinema illegal (5)

28 Priest has to tell bishop? (7)

Down

 1 Refined oil producers dig to the North (4-6)

 2 Theologian, as modern house husband? (6)

 3 This oil-producer's on hand (4)

 4 First half of day - I iron front of robe - I make a smell in church (8)

 5 In service mum's beginning to sleep (4)

 6 To part with book (5)

 8 Walter transferred to right boat (7)

12 One article is set up in place of law (5)

14 Teacher's to chat endlessly, one in unorthodox clan (10)

16 A little time given to service for old tribesman (7)

17 See 13 Across

21 In stories there is a biblical heroine (6)

22 Server not right to change part of scripture (5)

24 Duck's left after meal (4)

25 Opening Christian feast without a starter (4)

Last week's solution