EXHIBIT - 23 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No. 33-60151 of John H. Harland Company on Form S-8 of our report dated January 29, 1999, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of John H. Harland Company for the year ended December 31, 1998. Deloitte & Touche LLP Atlanta, Georgia March 31, 1999