Oslo - A Norwegian bishop who wracked up huge personal debts in an effort to help his son who lost millions on online gambling said Wednesday he was to step down next year.

Bishop Ernst Baasland of the city of Stavanger, western Norway, and his wife were declared bankrupt in September.

Press reports have suggested the son, 34, lost some 60 million kroner (10 million dollars) on online gambling sites.

Both Baasland and his wife borrowed large sums from friends, acquaintances and banks to help the son. They said the loans were intended for the son's IT business leading to questions if they deceived the creditors.

A case is pending against the son.

Baasland has served as bishop in Stavanger since 1998, and is currently on leave of absence. He was to step down in June, he said in a statement. (dpa)