During the 1980’s and 1990’s, Lowell Robison engaged in predatory sexual behaviors with several male cousins/BYU students. In 1995, Lowell Robison was called to serve as a mission president to the Mexico Leon mission (1995-1998). Christopher Swallow and his brother were two of his victims. When Christopher and his brother learned that Lowell Robison had been called as a mission president, they met with Elder Earl C. Tingey (LDS General Authority) at LDS church headquarters to report Lowell Robison’s sexual abuse. Zero support was given to them as abuse victims, and no change was made to Lowell Robison’s assignment, and he served out a full term as mission president.
In this Mormon Stories Podcast episode, Christopher Swallow tells his story.
Part 1
Note: Multiple people have contacted Mormon Stories Podcast to stories similar to those of Chris. One example included below.
Hi John,
With the passing of Lowell Robison last week, I reached out to my childhood friend to let him know of the death. He directed me to your episode #896 regarding Lowell Robison. We have pretty much the same exact story as was told in your episode #896. Same sketchy trailer with sheepskin, etc. But I’ll up the ante with frequent invitations to play raquetball at the local club after which Lowell would insist we shower before going home- in a locker room communal shower. Not all that unusual… except that Lowell would wear his eyeglasses the entire time while showering. As an adult, we now get it and see exactly what was going on, but somehow back then we just thought it was weird. The sketchy trailer episodes were actually some of the last interactions we had with Lowell as we thought that was just too out there for us. We very seriously doubted the legitimacy of the import business. We went together and when asked to basically rub the sheepskin on our private areas, we turned in such a way that Lowell wouldn’t see. We asked why we would need to do that, and Lowell answered that the wool would be used for burn victims who couldn’t wear other clothing while being treated.
Talking about these incidents years later we understood that it was predatory/grooming behavior. In 2001 this childhood friend and I had interviews with an area authority (John Carmack) regarding our memories and discomfort with Lowell’s behavior. We knew of three other kids in the neighborhood who had also been “invited” to the trailer. Those who were willing to drop their pants for testing were invited back multiple times. These kids were also contacted and interviewed about their experiences by Elder Carmack. Elder Carmack took the info to “the brethren.” I don’t know who they were- I would guess the Provo, Utah presiding Seventy at the time. A couple weeks later I got a call back from Elder Carmack telling me that they had interviewed Lowell and determined that he was extremely embarrassed and sorry that we thought there were any intentions other than … running his own clinical trials? They said that it showed extremely poor judgement on Lowell’s part, asked us to not bring it up again (?!), and proceeded to call him either as a stake president or a councilor in the stake presidency. No one better to serve as the high priest/judge of a stake than someone who exhibits extremely poor judgement, right? That was the last I heard of this until episode #896. Disconcerting to say the least.
Until 896, I was not aware that this situation had already been kicked around at the highest levels of church leadership and disregarded. Which means the matter was either swept under the rug, or the church keeps no records of serious allegations against membership or leaders regarding abuse. So, you have these brothers/cousins, you have us (the neighborhood/ward kids), and you have this other long lost Swallow relative- who all reached out to the church at the GA level. Third time was the charm I guess with Elder Bateman taking some kind of action.
I’m a faithful member of the church, but understand there are problems within the church that need to be addressed. I suppose the church organization is as complex as its members- a bit of good and evil in all of us. I’m not interested in sharing this story personally, but if it helps your organization to bring any more transparency, honesty, and perhaps additional policy change then I’m ok with you sharing the additional details. I wish to remain anonymous. Not for fear of repercussion, but out of respect for Lowell’s wife, Kathy, and his son. I think she was just as manipulated as the rest of us. But there are undoubtedly others out there, and many more beyond Lowell, so it’s important for the church to recognize there have been some egregious oversights and to make necessary and well publicized changes. I think things are changing- no solo meetings with the bishop, etc. But none of these experiences with Lowell happened while he was “on duty.” So only changing “in church” behavior doesn’t go far enough.
Best,
Hey Christopher, are you related to Frank and LaPreal Swallow from Fillmore, Utah? They are my grandparents.
DS,
A Swallow…in Fillmore, UT!? We are definitely related!! So, here’s the connection:
Your grandfather, Frank (James Franklin Swallow) is the son of James Swallow & Charlotte (Dearden) Swallow.
James Swallow (your great-grandfather) was the younger brother of my great-grandfather, George Swallow.
So, our common ancestor would be their parents (our great-great-grandparents) Thomas Swallow & Caroline (Crow) Swallow.
I believe that would make us 3rd cousins!
I’d love to meet and get to know you! Find out how your journey led you here! Drop me a line sometime! chris@swallow.email
I don’t know how much you know about our family history, but the church has played a deep and prominent role in shaping our heritage. When I resigned my membership I took it very seriously. Our ancestors sacrificed and gave their lives for the church; for the belief that it was true. They would not have done so otherwise. I believe if they had access to the same information we have today, they would chose to live their lives no different – bravely, authentically. I truly love my Mormon heritage. But it no longer useful or worthy of a life’s paradigm. So it falls on you and me to honor them by carrying forward all the rich and valuable parts of our heritage. Discard the meaningless and that without value. I believe that’s everything they could’ve hoped for us as we continue their legacy.
Should I be the least bit surprised that I can’t find anything on Lowell Robinson/Robison. Am I reading into it too much or is this seriously where tithing money goes— to keep names out of google.
Great observation Mindy. Yeah. Lowell really just disappeared after Bateman ‘released’ him and reorg’d a new stake presidency. Would it surprise you to learn that the church employs an entire team of SEM/SEO specialists (Riverton, UT) that manage a massive paid and natural search keyword portfolio? Millions of dollars. Mindy, this is the tip of the iceberg. The church absolutely protects sexual predators in this – and every other un- imaginable way possible. This has been something I’ve seen and known first-hand since the mid 90’s when my brother and I connected the Lowell Robison dots. I have a feeling the rabbit hole goes deeper and darker than most imagine. The church has unfathomable monetary reserves and will throw whatever it takes to cover up the ugliness. Until it can no longer be covered.
Did you try google searching pictures with Lowell Robison Mexico? I did found a mission president picture with his wife.
Thank you John. It’s like peeling an onion, layer by layer, and crying more and more until there are no tears left. We really can save the world, one child at a time, by dismantling the monster that protects the predator instead of the victim, so that the children don’t end up being the monster.
Thanks to all of you that are finally getting to the nub of the problem, by shining a new spotlight into the big darkness that wants to remain secret, not sacred.
The church is only following example of Joseph Smith destroy the reputation of the women who spoke up against Joseph Smith those women who were brave enough to speak up were destroyed by his accusations of their Immoral behavior—when they were the victims
Taking absolutely no responsibility for his behavior this is truly the church of Joseph Smith which makes it full of lies and evil actions including being a sexual predator
Lowell Robison was my mission president in the Mexico Leon Mission. I served 1997-1999. I, personally, didn’t know/hear of anything along these lines going on in the mission. It does cause me to reflect back on experiences I did have and forces me to examine them in a new light. I’m very interested in any updates on this story. Please keep us up to date, esp. if you can get more details on the other victims mentioned in this interview.
Wow. You’re the first person I’ve learned/met who served there during his presidency. Definitely will update if we learn anything new. Also, please don’t hesitate to reach out to John or myself if you learn of something or someone relevant. chris@swallow.email
I served at the same time in the Mexico Leon Mission as Don. Being the first half of my mission, I didn’t associate with Lowell too often, but I would be interested to talk to some of the missionaries who around him more.
Thank-you Chris.
You’re welcome. Thanks for your kindness and thanks for listening :)
I’m glad Chris is finally giving his side of the story. It’s time we listen to abuse victims instead of just taking the word of the alleged abuser. With the advancement of technology, the best VoIP and social media, we can spread these stories like wildfire. Thank you for sharing your story, Chris.
Thanks Dennis. You’re very welcome. Totally agree. Mind blowing thing about the Joe Bishop audio recording is that we have the words of the victim AND abuser…all together…at the same time…for the entire world to listen. I think it’s the most remarkable, most damning event that the church may have to deal with in our lifetime. This gets worse for LDS, Inc. until they 1 – excommunicate Bishop and 2 – end ‘worthiness’ interviews completely. You know they don’t want to do either of those things. However, until BOTH of these things happen, it gets worse for the church. The choice has already been taken from them. Nelson just hasn’t received the ‘revelation’ from Jesu…I mean…Kirton McConkie.
Thanks for the interview. One question: Did you/your brother remove your underwear during the sheep-skin episodes? I don’t think that was ever explicitly stated one way or the other. It seems important.
Great question. Absolutely important. Answer is yes. Underwear was removed.
Okay, thanks for clearing that up, and also really sorry to hear that it was that and not the other way around. Very bad stuff!
Oh boy… I grew up living right next door to Lowell and Kathy, their son Jeff. Don’t remember their daughter’s name. Many, many years. Holy cow…
Wow. Would love to chat with you sometime.
Hi Christopher. I was glued to the podcast. I just contacted family this morning. They will be watching the podcast most likely today. Maybe we can chat off line. Not quite sure how to do that ….(?)… Maybe my email address I just filled out in the section below this comment box?
Thank you Christopher for sharing such a genuine, sincere heartfelt and such a sad interview. l have known of such happenings in my own life with my own circle of lds friends and l felt so awful for them, l think the whole family all left the church in the end and rightly so, in the uk. l was so glued to everything you said, thank you for being so brave and courageous and for reaching out to jon through Mormon stories, to bless and help the lives of others who are also suffering similarly, l pray you will be begin to gain strength and peace of mind and feel comforted on your journey of healing and becoming whole once more.
Thank you calling out the Church on this, John and Christopher. When will they take one ounce of responsibility for these travesties? Enough is enough.
Does this mean that you are now no longer a believer or a member of the LDS church ?? I certainly hope not. Churches SHOULD be pillars of the community and set an example… unfortunately often they are the BIGGEST HYPOCRITES (not just LDS) ! Bless you for speaking up. Time and time again abusers get away with what they do to children and it wrecks lives. Let’s all work together to stop this right now. Good for you being successful and speaking out.
Love You Christopher
Thank you
Love You
Is the picture in this link (https://imgur.com/a/oqPHGBf ) the same person described in this episode?
I hope this podcast will inspire the many others out there like you and your brother to come forward and share their stories. This very ugly underbelly of the church needs to be fully exposed until the many faithful who refuse to listen or choose to live in a state of denial must look at it with open eyes. Only those who have suffered abuse, and their loved ones who are trying to help them recover from it, can fully understand the devastation and heartbreak. The indifference and inaction of a trusted and respected church leadership compounds the sense of betrayal, despair, and isolation, and in some cases, may be even more upsetting than the abuse itself. A perpetrator should be the one to carry the shame and blame and pay some consequences for his actions, but his family, friends, and church leaders who know he is a danger but remain silent should also carry the blame and shame and pay some consequences for enabling him to reoffend again and again. There is no doubt that the church behaves like any large, secular, amoral corporation whose first and foremost priority is the protection of its assets and its reputation. Sexual abuse creates great feelings of fear, embarrassment, and shame for all of those involved. Everyone, including the First Presidency, wants to scurry behind a wall of silence for protection. Thank you, Christopher, for having the courage to climb over that wall and come forward with the hard truth.
From a listener:
riingram – I’ve had multiple people reach out to me independently and confirm Lowell’s behavior. You are wrong in your assumptions and accusations in this case, I’m sad to tell you. One example:
Hi John,
With the passing of Lowell Robison last week, I reached out to my childhood friend to let him know of the death. He directed me to your episode #896 regarding Lowell Robison. We have pretty much the same exact story as was told in your episode #896. Same sketchy trailer with sheepskin, etc. But I’ll up the ante with frequent invitations to play raquetball at the local club after which Lowell would insist we shower before going home- in a locker room communal shower. Not all that unusual… except that Lowell would wear his eyeglasses the entire time while showering. As an adult, we now get it and see exactly what was going on, but somehow back then we just thought it was weird. The sketchy trailer episodes were actually some of the last interactions we had with Lowell as we thought that was just too out there for us. We very seriously doubted the legitimacy of the import business. We went together and when asked to basically rub the sheepskin on our private areas, we turned in such a way that Lowell wouldn’t see. We asked why we would need to do that, and Lowell answered that the wool would be used for burn victims who couldn’t wear other clothing while being treated.
Talking about these incidents years later we understood that it was predatory/grooming behavior. In 2001 this childhood friend and I had interviews with an area authority (John Carmack) regarding our memories and discomfort with Lowell’s behavior. We knew of three other kids in the neighborhood who had also been “invited” to the trailer. Those who were willing to drop their pants for testing were invited back multiple times. These kids were also contacted and interviewed about their experiences by Elder Carmack. Elder Carmack took the info to “the brethren.” I don’t know who they were- I would guess the Provo, Utah presiding Seventy at the time. A couple weeks later I got a call back from Elder Carmack telling me that they had interviewed Lowell and determined that he was extremely embarrassed and sorry that we thought there were any intentions other than … running his own clinical trials? They said that it showed extremely poor judgement on Lowell’s part, asked us to not bring it up again (?!), and proceeded to call him either as a stake president or a councilor in the stake presidency. No one better to serve as the high priest/judge of a stake than someone who exhibits extremely poor judgement, right? That was the last I heard of this until episode #896. Disconcerting to say the least.
Until 896, I was not aware that this situation had already been kicked around at the highest levels of church leadership and disregarded. Which means the matter was either swept under the rug, or the church keeps no records of serious allegations against membership or leaders regarding abuse. So, you have these brothers/cousins, you have us (the neighborhood/ward kids), and you have this other long lost Swallow relative- who all reached out to the church at the GA level. Third time was the charm I guess with Elder Bateman taking some kind of action.
I’m a faithful member of the church, but understand there are problems within the church that need to be addressed. I suppose the church organization is as complex as its members- a bit of good and evil in all of us. I’m not interested in sharing this story personally, but if it helps your organization to bring any more transparency, honesty, and perhaps additional policy change then I’m ok with you sharing the additional details. I wish to remain anonymous. Not for fear of repercussion, but out of respect for Lowell’s wife, Kathy, and his son. I think she was just as manipulated as the rest of us. But there are undoubtedly others out there, and many more beyond Lowell, so it’s important for the church to recognize there have been some egregious oversights and to make necessary and well publicized changes. I think things are changing- no solo meetings with the bishop, etc. But none of these experiences with Lowell happened while he was “on duty.” So only changing “in church” behavior doesn’t go far enough.
Best,