File: An anonymous Catholic priest

A Catholic Priest has lost his position in the Central German Town of Ballenstedt after taking 137,000 dollars from parish funds.

Bishop Gerhard Feige has accepted the man’s offer to give up his job, the diocese based in the nearby city of Magdeburg said on Wednesday.

The decision took place after a meeting with 50 members of the affected parish, St Elisabeth’s, to discuss the future of their community.

The 64-year-old used the money for a fraudulent online lottery and then turned himself into the police, according to the Magdeburg diocese. (dpa/NAN)