How can absolution be denied when God warns us that if we do not forgive, then we will not be forgiven? How does a new Catholic convert answer this objection?
By pointing out that God gave his apostles the authority to do so, if they deemed it necessary:
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained” (John 20:21-23).
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