In a stunning twist that has left the devout clutching their pearls (and possibly their Bibles), Reverend Bartholomew Buttercup, the fire-and-brimstone preacher renowned for his staunch anti-gay sermons and comparing homosexuality to 'a particularly offensive shade of beige,' has been caught in a, shall we say, *compromising* position. Sources say the Reverend, a man whose vocabulary previously consisted mainly of 'abomination' and 'sodomy,' was found engaging in a passionate lip-lock with none other than Chad Thundercock, a local CrossFit instructor known for his impressive biceps and even more impressive collection of rainbow-striped socks.

Photographs obtained exclusively by this esteemed publication show the two men locked in an embrace so intense it could power a small city. Eyewitnesses report hearing whispers of 'I love you' and 'Let's ditch the whole 'God hates fags' schtick,' although the latter remains unconfirmed.

The internet, naturally, has exploded. #PastorChadKissing is currently trending globally, eclipsing even the latest Kardashian drama in sheer volume of memes. One particularly clever meme depicts the Reverend's previous sermons alongside the photo of the kiss, with the caption: 'From 'God's wrath' to 'God's... wrathful smooch?'

Meanwhile, the LGBTQ+ community has expressed cautious optimism. "It's a victory of sorts," stated Laverne Cox-adjacent influencer, Trixie Mattelson. "While we still have a long way to go in achieving true equality, this shows even the most ardent homophobes can succumb to the power of... you know... intense, passionate kissing."

Reverend Buttercup has yet to issue a statement, presumably busy composing a heartfelt apology… to Chad. Stay tuned, folks. This just got woke.