In addition to my earlier post:
James 5:16; Proverbs 15:8, 29 - the prayers of the righteous (the saints) have powerful effects. This is why we ask for their prayers. How much more powerful are the saints’ prayers in heaven, in whom righteousness has been perfected.
1 Tim 2:5-6 - therefore, it is because Jesus Christ is the one mediator before God that we can be subordinate mediators. Jesus is the reason. The Catholic position thus gives Jesus the most glory. He does it all but loves us so much He desires our participation.
In the place of 1 Timothy 2:5 ("For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus") you wrote...
"therefore, it is because Jesus Christ is the one mediator before God that we can be subordinate mediators."
LOL. Where does that verse speak about us being "subordinate mediators???"
And you get James 5:16 ("Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much") completely wrong, too. You wrote...
the prayers of the righteous (the saints) have powerful effects. This is why we ask for their prayers. How much more powerful are the saints' prayers in heaven, in whom righteousness has been perfected.
We are to pray for one another while we live, to strengthen and console each other. We are to confess our sins to each other because all men sin. But men cannot absolve us of our sins. Only Christ on the cross pays for our sins.
And nowhere does Scripture say we are to pray to dead people which is idolatry, not so pure and simple.
If your church gets these simple verses so wrong, no wonder RC doctrine is so confused.