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Factchecking claims that 400 churches were burned to the ground in France

Looking into the numbers behind claims of attacks on churches.

In certain corners of the internet some suspicious numbers are cropping up again and again. People claiming that 400 churches have been burnt to the ground or attacked in an assortment of countries, including France, the US and Canada. So, what is going on? Is there a spate of anti-Christian crime sweeping the globe?

We look into what the data actually tells us.

If you've seen a number in the news you think we should take a look at, email moreorless@bbc.co.uk

Presenter: Tim Harford
Producer: Lizzy McNeill
Sound engineer: Dave O'Neill
Editor: Richard Vadon

Available now

9 minutes

Last on

Sun 7 Jun 2026 11:50
麻豆社 World Service except East and Southern Africa, Europe and the Middle East & West and Central Africa

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  • Sat 6 Jun 2026 05:50
    麻豆社 World Service except Australasia, East and Southern Africa, East Asia & South Asia & Live News
  • Sun 7 Jun 2026 05:50
    麻豆社 World Service East and Southern Africa
  • Sun 7 Jun 2026 09:50
    麻豆社 World Service Europe and the Middle East & West and Central Africa only
  • Sun 7 Jun 2026 11:50
    麻豆社 World Service except East and Southern Africa, Europe and the Middle East & West and Central Africa

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  • More or Less

    Tim Harford explains the numbers and statistics used in everyday life