The Friends movement began in 17th century England. They were compelled by the words of Jesus to his disciples in John 15 where Jesus said "you are my friends, if you do what I command". This radically re-shaped the Christian tradition at the time, into one that was founded on faith, lifelong obedience or holiness, and direct access to God. It is this direct access to God that is the core tenant of faith in which Friends find not just their name, but their very root. For Friends, it is not just a sentiment that we are friends of Jesus, but a reality, and a reality that extends to everyone.

The movement that would become known as The Society of Friends started in 17th century England led by George Fox. A layman of humble background, he grew disenchanted with the Church of England as he watched the striking disparity between the faith Christians espoused at weekly service and their daily life practices. As he studied Scriptures he came to four realizations: to be a Christian is to have a changed life; ministry is the role of all Christians, not just those educated or appointed; the church exists in the people, not the bricks and mortar, that make it up; and Christianity is marked by a firsthand relationship Jesus. These realizations led him to travel throughout England, with a call for all people. Many soon joined him in what they saw as a return to the biblical foundations of Christianity. The Children of the Light, as they called themselves, firmly believed that their beliefs would be universally accepted and be transformative for all people. The Church of England however, did not see these as universal beliefs and viewed this not only as a new sect, but against the law, leading to hundreds of early Friends being punished, imprisoned, and even martyred for their faith. It is from this time period that the name Quakers arose as a derogatory term used by the British government officials to talk about the way Friends were shaking up the order of society. Friends, however, came from hardy stock and took up the name Quakers proudly, boldly continuing to meet in public, despite persecution. In fact, when the adults were all in prison for conducting services, the children kept services going in their stead. And instead of dwindling as the Church of England wished, the Children of the Light only grew.

Despite widespread persecution, Friends were committed to their faith and kept working to share it with others. This comes from the core belief that ‘there is that of God in everyone.’ Friends remember that all humans are descended from Adam and Eve of whom God said, “Let us make man in our image” and “it is very good.” Though Friends acknowledge the presence of sin in the world, they do not believe that supersedes the image of God that each person was created with. 

The belief that ‘there is that of God in everyone’ shapes much of Friends teaching and practice. From the very beginning this belief meant that men and women were viewed equally: women Friends were just as welcome to become leaders or missionaries as men. But not just women, Friends also believed there was that of God in everyone, including every Native American, African, prisoner, and disabled individual too. In the early days of colonization, the Friends-founded colony of Pennsylvania experienced 70 years of peace with Native Americans because they valued Native Americans and took time to learn their language and culture. The belief that there was that of God in every person also meant that Friends were against slavery and actively involved in efforts for freedom, education, and civil rights, starting in the 19th century carrying into their involvement running the Underground Railroad, pressure on Lincoln to free the slaves, and participation in the Civil Rights Movement of the 20th century. 

Due in part to their own time spent in jail, Friends were also adamant that prisoners needed to have beds and food in prison and started reform movements aimed to bring humanity into jails of the 18th century. Friends were also at the forefront of the belief that those who were disabled did not need to be imprisoned or shut away from society, but that they also had that of God in them and should be treated accordingly. Friends led in the movements to create hospitals that could treat those with disabilities, especially those with psychological disabilities. This belief also strongly shapes the daily practice of friends today as they continue to work worldwide to take care of those impacted by wars, famine, disease, poverty, etc. that society forgets are bearers of God. 

Because Friends believe there is that of God in every man, they also believe that every man has the tools needed to find God. In practice this means that Friends give importance to the leading of God among the congregation: nothing is done without unanimous agreement, which is seen as a divine gift. When there is not agreement, Friends are encouraged to be silent to listen to God; this comes from the belief that God is never confused, it is only we who are confused. In practice this means that Friends do not vote as they are not looking for majority, but unanimity from God. This means decisions can take longer to come to, but that (ideally) no Friends are left bitter about the decision that was made because it is a decision that involves creative collaboration among the original differing views. This also leads Friends meetings to have a dedicated portion of the service for congregants to share. This space, often called open worship, is a dedicated time for congregation members to minister to each other according to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

From the very beginning Friends have had no creed specific to their sect of Christianity. Rather than a set of beliefs, Quakerism has been seen as a method of life. While this has caused confusion for some, for Friends this has been seen as a return to the basics of what distinguishes Christianity from other religions: Jesus has called us friend. And this invitation is open to all as there is that of God in everyone. Therefore, all must be treated as equals. Despite having no creed, Friends do have strong beliefs about God’s desire for the Christian life. These beliefs form what is known as the Faith and Practice. However, Friends are unique even in this, as each group of Friends churches has a different Faith and Practice. This is not because Friends believe differently about each and every topic, but rather because the organization of The Society of Friends is such that each church (historically called meetings) is part of a network of churches that meets yearly, called a Yearly Meeting. Each Yearly Meeting has its own Faith and Practice that has been unanimously agreed upon by that meeting. Yearly meetings within the Evangelical Friends (one branch of the Society of Friends) find unity as well in the Richmond Declaration of Faith. Northwest Community Friends Church stands in the Friends tradition that traces back to 17th century England, and is grounded in the Richmond Declaration of Faith as an Evangelical Friends Church and in the Faith and Practice of the Southwest Yearly Meeting that covers Arizona, California, and Nevada.