Across

9 Piece of sculpture with two non-English characters (5)

10 After a party share in worship (9)

11 Female animal left with terrible noises (7)

12 I start with chapter and verse possibly in act of worship (7)

13 Mark and I very quiet in your solemn fast day (3,6)

15 Fruit consumed in Denmark and Sweden (5)

16 Part of South Africa once associated with beginning of life (5)

18 Daring man briefly appearing in tribe (3)

19 Biblical woman has to retreat across a river (5)

21 Burst ulcer causing pain (5)

23 Report of former Liverpool bishop’s Christmas visitors (9)

25 List includes one noisy reveller (7)

26 Prophet establishing a church in African country (7)

27 Have trade working in a Buddhist school (9)

28 ‘And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named ________’ (Acts 12:13, AV) (5)

Down

1 Greek god cut short by that devil (8)

2 Improve Religious Education class (6)

3 Friend has heartless adversary, not spiritual (8)

4 Mothers and sons in 12A (4)

5 What can convey holy matter? Silly sermon can’t (10)

6 Holy area in borders of Scotland (6)

7 Vicar perhaps small and endlessly severe (8)

8 A new set — society people of great virtue (6)

14 Rambling dean, priest regarded as dull (10)

17 Carrier of something smoky badly hurt before fire is out (8)

19 Those learning in class or home initially wayward (8)

20 Hips — a lot may be replaced here (8)

21 Assistant 7 telling the truth? Initial account must be ignored (6)

22 Faced with obstruction, Henry becomes deadly (6)

24 7 included in directory (6)

26 This sweet drink is said to be one from area now known as Iran (4)

Last week's solution