“As a lawyer I would think that you would understand the significance of these words, the priest acting as the agent of God.”
Because I am a lawyer I can tell you that your understanding of agency is incorrect. Stick with “instrument”, especially a non-autonomous instrument. Christ’s words are clear. The priest does not effectuate the forgiveness, God does. Christ’s sacramental ministry is accomplished through His Church acting by her the priests. Or is it your claim that God is bound by the action of a Roman Catholic priest, His “agent”?
And who is saying that the priest is acting in an autonomous manner? For the sacrament to be valid the absolution of the priest must be accompanied by the contrition, confession and satisfaction on the part of the penitent. In thus offering absolution to such a penitent the priest is fulfilling the will of God.
Christ’s words are clear.
Christ's words are clear indeed. What is unclear is why anyone would object to the priest saying that he is forgiving sin in the name of God when our Lord describes sins being forgiven when the priest himself forgives sins. Is it your position that the action of the priest has no effect in the sacrament?