The Norwegian bishop who was left with huge debts after his son duped him out of millions to fund his gambling addiction has announced he is to quit.

Ernst Baasland, the Lutheran Bishop of Stavanger, and his wife Bodhild took out huge loans from friends, acquaintances and banks to assist their son’s Czech IT business.

Trial

But the “business” was a scam and Bjarte Baasland, 34, gambled all of his parents’ money and more — to a total of £6 MILLION — on online casino sites.

The couple were declared bankrupt in September. Their son is currently awaiting trial for fraud and deception.

Bishop Baasland has served since 1998 and is currently on leave of absence.

In a statement released earlier today, he announced he will step down next June.