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I'm not enjoying the "theme", and struggling in the NW corner. Any hints on these two perhaps? (no letters placed)
9ac Champ for church service given mark of approval by a small number in report (9)
12 ac Before Man exists...before that? An article of faith (6)

9a masticate

Mas = mass in report (sounds like)
tic = Tick , marl of approval
ate = 8. small number

I loathed this puzzle precisely because of its theme ! However,

9a homophones galore mas + tic + ate

12a the + is + m
is (exists) before m (man) with the (article) before both

12a Theism

The + is + M (man)

Thanks very much to both of you. Now I'll see if I can get the down crossers.

3dn Monastic order rejecting impertinent show of levity (6)
Done it, but why is "NA" "impertinent"

n/a = not applicable

applicable = pertinent

Thanks, rambler - that's really obscure!

Hope it's the correct explanation.