The Archbishop of Toronto says he doesn't think the Catholic church is out of step with public opinion on the issue of assisted dying.

Cardinal Thomas Collins weighed into the debate on assisted dying today, reading a statement on the church's position at Sunday mass, while a written or videotaped version was presented to more than 200 Catholic churches across the Archdiocese of Toronto.

Collins told reporters outside the church that he thinks most Canadians haven't thought much about the issue and once they think more deeply about it they may have second thoughts.

Collins' statement says he's shocked by a parliamentary committee's recommendations that would force doctors to at least refer people to a physician willing to help someone end their life.

He also questions giving access to assisted death to minors or those with psychiatric conditions, and allowing people suffering from conditions like dementia to pre-schedule the date of their death.

Laws surrounding assisted dying are currently in a state of limbo, as the federal government has until June to draft new legislation.

As it stands, Canadians who want an assisted death need permission from a Superior Court.

Collins has invited those who share his concerns to visit CanadiansforConscience.ca and join the Coalition for HealthCARE and Conscience.

He says the coalition includes more than 5,000 Canadian doctors with "a common mission to respect the sanctity of human life."