Cryptic crossword clue
Church body doing little to contain downward acceleration, in self-contemplation 5-6

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 12 letter word NAVEL-GAZING

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
N
A
V
E
L
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G
A
Z
I
N
G

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "in self-contemplation" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case in self-contemplation = navel-gazing.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does NAVEL-GAZING mean?

NAVEL-GAZING verb
  1. To engage in self-indulgent introspection.
NAVEL-GAZING noun
  1. Contemplation of one's navel as an aid to meditation.
  2. Excessive focus on oneself; self-indulgent introspection.
  3. (sometimes derogatory) (Disproportionate) concentration on a single issue.

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