Since my post I have now seen a similar clue , (apart from a couple of words) from 2015? and the answer then was 'pews'. I think that might be more cryptic and would opt for that. Tricky one
I don't think either of them "cryptic" in the usual crossword sense, for that implies a unique and unavoidable solution, a la Bletchley Park. Might as well say that BEDS is a good answer.
I don't know who the setter is now . My mother stopped subscribing a few years back when standards fell. I find the church connection in the answer amusing.