[Superman]

Christianity is not simple. Unless you're rejecting it, in which case you cannot let the details (facts) get into the discussion.

Catholic bishops have, over the years, made various statements. Intended to be helpful.

The leadership of the Catholic Church (the one at the Vatican, that is) has done the same. This statement comes from a group of Catholic bishops in England and surrounding areas. Not from the Vatican. There is a difference. And there is a difference between this statement and what we've seen from the Vatican.

But not that much of a difference. You see, the Catholic Church has for a very long time NOT taken a position on the historical accuracy of the Bible. And for a very good and simple reason. History is history and Faith is Faith. If you read the Bible as part of your historical research, you need to use some scientific skepticism. But if you're reading it as part of a theological endeavor, you take a very different approach. And here's the most relevant distinction:

If your interest in the Bible is not scientifi/historical....if your interest is theological....then even considering the question of its historical accuracy (or lack thereof) will serve only as a distraction. That is, when it comes to your relationship with God, and your interest in his teachings to you, historical considerations will only serve to distract and confuse you in that relationship.

That's what the Catholic Church says. These local bishops have gone a baby-step further than standard Catholic theological teachings, but not far. Essentially they are saying that you should not use blind faith when drawing conclusions about the Bible's historacal accuracy. The Catholic Church (Vatican) has been saying that for many many years.

Frankly, a book called Catechism of the Catholic Church, available in paperback form for ten bucks, is a very intriguing read.