Across

6 Sailors, when drunken, love to forgive (7)

7 It’s plainer as initially confused King meets Queen (7)

9 One Greek character returned to work for drug (5)

10 It’s most cowardly to cry, so ‘wet’ somehow (9)

11 John was one sort of Christian (7)

13 Decay found sort in seed in African shrub (6)

15 Action of girl I fancy brings praise (13)

19 Vicar’s ending in country, with injury (6)

20 Unbeliver is popular, if led astray (7)

23 Domestic force in disguise? (4,5)

24 One bishop to ban retired teacher (5)

26 One to stick with American prayer (7)

27 Books for those taking services? (7)

Down

1 It’s a fizzy drink (4)

2 Gangster having hesitation to join Northern Ireland students of yesteryear (6)

3 To explain my fits ye’d have to be exceptional (9)

4 US politician in protest about traitor (8)

5 Order new stripe to be put on part of clerical garb (10)

6 Little creature getting a second English degree (6)

7 Religious group in difficulty (4)

8 Girl outside University having left ceremony (6)

12 Holy learner having terrible time making holy journey (10)

14 Bible trip  ­— curse when it goes wrong (9)

16 What Noah experienced in autumn after manifestation of sun? (8)

17 Ask the man endlessly to make complaint (6)

18 Friends of everyone? That is special! (6)

21 A lifer worried about holidays (6)

22 Leave empty deities, those worshipped falsely (4)

25 Porter perhaps to live on bits of egg and rice (4)

Last week's solution