The BCNN1 Torch Leader News Brief
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Bend School Shooter Identified as 16-Year-Old Former Student; Shotgun Was Bought by His Mother
Authorities have identified the 16-year-old gunman in the Bend, Oregon elementary school shooting as Griffin J. John II, a former student of Silver Rail Elementary who was once enrolled in its special needs program. Police say John entered a special-education classroom and fired as many as 15 rounds from a shotgun purchased by his mother, killing three children ages 5, 8 and 11 and one teacher. All of the victims were shot in the same classroom. A bystander described as a father confronted and stopped the shooter within minutes, likely preventing further bloodshed.
Source: CBS News
Pope Leo XIV Has Lung Cancer; Vatican Provides Surgery Update
Pope Leo XIV has lung cancer, and the Vatican has provided an update following his surgery, the Christian Post reports. The Vatican’s announcement on Saturday addressed the pontiff’s health after the procedure. The disclosure marks a serious health development for the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, and further details on his recovery are expected from the Holy See.
Source: Christian Post
Televangelist George Bloomer Wins $62.2M in Racial Discrimination Suit Against the Word Network
A federal jury in Detroit awarded televangelist George Bloomer $62.2 million on Wednesday in his lawsuit against the Word Network. The jury found that the network’s owner, Kevin Adell, subjected Bloomer to race discrimination, harassment and retaliation. The verdict stands as one of the largest awards of its kind in a religious broadcasting dispute, and the network is expected to appeal.
Source: Christian Post
Dove Award Winner Hulvey Cancels Sold-Out Amsterdam Concert Over Pornographic Images at Venue
Dove Award-winning Christian hip-hop artist Hulvey canceled a sold-out concert in Amsterdam after discovering pornographic images and sexually explicit objects displayed at the venue. The rapper said he could not in good conscience perform in an environment that conflicted with his faith and values. The cancellation, reported October 16, drew widespread support from fans who praised his stand for holiness over profit.
Source: Church Leaders
Talarico Claims Bible ‘Silent’ on Abortion; Says 10-Year-Old Girls ‘Need Abortion Care’
Texas politician James Talarico claimed the Bible is ‘silent’ on abortion and said that 10-year-old girls ‘need abortion care,’ drawing swift pushback from pro-life Christians. Critics challenged his biblical interpretation, pointing to Scriptures affirming the sanctity of life in the womb, including Psalm 139. The remarks have intensified the ongoing debate over faith, Scripture and abortion policy in America.
Source: Christian Post
In Rare Joint Statement, Evangelicals and Catholic Bishops Urge Compassionate Immigration Laws
In a rare joint statement, evangelical leaders and Catholic bishops called for immigration laws shaped by ‘compassion and wisdom.’ The unusual alliance across deep theological lines urges policymakers to uphold the human dignity of migrants and refugees while securing the nation. The statement represents a significant moment of unity on one of the country’s most divisive issues.
Source: Religion News Service
Teacher Sues School After Being Fired for Telling Students She’s ‘Pro-Life’
A teacher is suing her former school after she was fired for telling students that she is pro-life. The educator contends her dismissal violated her rights to free speech and religious expression. The case, reported October 13, highlights ongoing tensions over viewpoint discrimination against pro-life and Christian educators in public schools.
Source: Protestia
About Daniel Whyte III
Daniel Whyte III has been preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ for over 46 years. He is the founder and president of Gospel Light Evangelistic Society International for over 42 years, pastor of Gospel Light House of Prayer International for over 37 years, and the founder, president and editor-in-chief of Black Christian News Network One (BCNN1) for over 22 years. He holds a doctorate/Ph.D. from Liberty University, two Master of Theology (Th.M.) degrees, a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and a Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.). His mottos are “Crying in the Wilderness,” “Exiled on the Isle of Patmos,” and “Preaching the Gospel by any means necessary.” He has been married to Meriqua Whyte of Christiana, Jamaica since December 19, 1987. They have ten children, including their daughter Daniqua who is in heaven.
The Gospel in a Nutshell
The Bible says all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23). God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved (Romans 10:9).
Have You Been Born Again?
Jesus said, “Ye must be born again” (John 3:7). To be born again, repent of your sins, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and receive Him as your Saviour. “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12).
What Must I Do To Be Saved?
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved (Acts 16:31). Pray and ask God to forgive your sins, and trust Jesus Christ as your Saviour today. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).
One Final Word
If you have just trusted Christ as your Saviour, pray: “Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe You died for my sins and rose again. I repent of my sins and receive You as my Saviour. Save me, Lord. Amen.” Welcome to the family of God!
Scripture: Ephesians 5:22–6:20 (KJV) — Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord… Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it… Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right… And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord… Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.