A black church in Greenville, South Carolina has received $2,000 (£1,554) and a note from a stranger describing themselves as a former “terrible racist”.

In an anonymous letter to Nicholtown Presbyterian Church, the person said they were sending the donation “as a heartfelt apology to the African American community, as a sign of God's love for you and as a sign for my love for you as well.”

“I am white and used to be a terrible racist,” the stranger wrote. “Thanks to Jesus and the Holy Spirit acting through the Presbyterian Church, I have been cleansed of that.”

The letter comes amid recent incidents in the US involving racial vandalism. This week, basketball star Lebron James’ home was vandalised with a racist slur.

Reverend Michael Sullivan told CNN affiliate WSPA that he believes the anonymous donor's words, and hopes the gesture will show others that love and understanding can prevail.

“I don't care whether we are talking black or white, whether we are talking about Christian or Islamic,” Mr Sullivan said. “If we can hear the heart of this man as being a heart that represents all of us, I think all of us can become better.”