Christ became our Brother in order to help us. Through him our brother has become Christ for us in the power and authority of the commission Christ has given him. Our brother stands before us the sign of the truth and the grace of God. He has been given to us to help us. He hears the confession of our sins in Christ's stead, and he forgives our sins in Christ's name. Furthermore, he keeps the secret of our confession as God keeps it. When I go to my brother to confess, I am going to God.

Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian Community