"Because the Gospel says so. See John 20,"
How many disciples were there at the time you mention? We know Thomas was not there, nor Matthias nor Paul. John 21 says there were 7 disciples. Acts 1 says there were 120 disciples. Where does it say that the disciples, what ever the number, had the authority to pass this gift concerning remittance of sin on to any other?
The James passage deals with confessing to one another but there is no mention of absolution. It has to do with sin that affects the body of believers, like if one has ought against a brother, one is to go to them and be reconciled or if the particular sin has such a hold on one that there is sickness and one cannot overcome it, then friends are to pray for that person. But the mention of prayer removes the necessity of an earthly mediator. They are petitioning God.
Where does it say [in John 20] that the disciples, what ever the number, had the authority to pass this gift concerning remittance of sin on to any other?
I have also asked this question on this thread, many moons ago. IIRC, the closest I got to an answer was along the lines of the counter question - "Why would God leave His Church in the lurch?" :) It was as if God's only option in caring for His people was to anoint "kings". We all know how well that worked out the first time it was tried. :)
The James passage deals with confessing to one another but there is no mention of absolution. ... But the mention of prayer removes the necessity of an earthly mediator. They are petitioning God.
BINGO! :) Whether or not confessing is a good thing is not in controversy, it is in whom the authority rests to forgive the sins. I agree with you that God can handle all of it quite nicely by Himself. :)