The Society of Friends was founded in England in the 17th century by George Fox (1624-1691), a man who believed strongly in experiential spirituality and religion. Though is intention was to convince the Church of England to return to its roots as a spirit-filled, egalitarian religion, he succeeded instead in founding the Quakers.

The Quaker spiritual message is that religion is experiential. That within each of us lies The Inner Light, a piece of God's spirit and energy. This energy can manifest in personal, inner connection with God. Individuals can form a personal, mystical relationship with God/Spirit and can use that relationship to support their actions in daily life. Though primarily Christian, Friends are encouraged to seek for truth in all opportunities and from whatever sources life presents to them.

Friends also believe that as children of God we are all equal. Men and women have always been given equal status, they fought against slavery and for the improvement of conditions for those imprisoned or in asylums. They recognized no priestly or priviledged class, refused to pay tithes to the state Church, to take oaths in court, to take off their hats to the king or others in power, or to go to war. It is still a strongly pacifist organization.

The Society of Friends became known as Quakers when in 1650, George Fox was brought before Justice Bennet, of Derby. Fox told the judge that he should "tremble at the word of the Lord". The judge was the first to call them Quakers based on this comment.
-- From George Fox's Autobiography