EXHIBIT 23.1








INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the  incorporation  by  reference in Registration  Statement  Nos.
333-1972  and  333-05771  of  Everest  Reinsurance   Holdings,   Inc.  (formerly
Prudential Reinsurance Holdings, Inc.) on  Form S-8 of our report dated February
23,  1996 (February 27, 1998 as to Note 1I)  appearing  in the Annual  Report on
Form 10-K of Everest  Reinsurance Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31,
1997.

We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Selected  Consolidated
Financial Data" in such Annual Report on Form 10-K.


DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Parsippany, New Jersey
March 16, 1998