Possible Clues:

• Biblical hypocrites
• 'Long-sighted I am, by the sound of it, but somewhat hypocritical as they (9)'
• Sect of Judaism portrayed as self-righteous in the New Testament
• Group attacked by John the Baptist
• Biblical sanctimonious people
• In new parish notice self-righteous people
• He aspires to join Biblical hypocrites
• Religious types see parish going wrong
• Praises be lavished on Biblical hypocrites
• He praises reforms made by Jewish sect